Whipsiderry demonstration held against cliff reinforcement

Campaigners have demonstrated against the reinforcement of cliffs with concrete at a Cornwall beauty spot.

Protesters want the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to withdraw its backing for the work at Whipsiderry beach, near Newquay.

They say the work to support new homes above the beach will adversely affect bats and nesting birds.

The MMO said a full assessment of the impact to the environment and habitats had been carried out.

It said the works "involve infilling a maximum of three caves at the base of the cliffs with concrete" and it issued a licence, subject to several conditions, last year.

The MMO said its decisions are made "on the basis of the best available evidence, and we are satisfied that is the case with regards this licensing decision".

Nick Webb, who has been campaigning against the reinforcement works, told BBC News: "There are a lot of people who do not want to see rock armour on the beach, which is a beauty spot.

"The concrete may also stop water from being seeping out from the cliffs, creating problems in the future.

"And there are birds and bats living in the cliffs who are going to be affected."

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