A LARGE hole has appeared in a cliff-top road in South East Cornwall.

The major collapse has occurred on a scenic road in Whitsand Bay, an area which suffered landslips during the winter.

Motorists came across the hole in the early hours of Monday. It is believed to be about 20ft deep and has blocked Military Road near Tregonhawke.

An emergency road closure has been put in place diverting traffic along the B3247. Motorists can still access the main beaches by using the cliff-top road between Tregantle and Tregonhawke, and the beach at Polhawn can be accessed via Cawsand.

Buses on the route taking in Cawsand and Millbrook normally use the road. The diversion has single-track sections with sharp bends and local people are reporting difficulties.

In addition, there are concerns about the potential impact on forthcoming events planned in the area if the repair of the road takes a few weeks or more.

Rame Gig Club is holding its annual regatta on Saturday, July 20, with up to 40 visiting gigs expected. The only way they can access Cawsand beach is via Military Road. Trailers towing gigs will be unable to navigate the road through Millbrook.

On August 4, there is the Mount Edgcumbe Car Show, which normally attracts crowds of up to 10,000. Most of the traffic is normally routed along Military Road to avoid congestion in Millbrook.

A Cornwall Council statement said: 'Following preliminary trial excavations, a solution to the problem is currently being developed. This will involve council engineers and operational teams working to try and reinstate the damaged section as soon as is possible.'