WALNEY has been chipped away by Storm Ciara, leaving destruction in its path.

Cracks have emerged on the island after the wind and sea battered the coast over the weekend.

The damage has emerged at Thorney Nook and near West Shore Caravan Park.

Dave Vincent, a resident of Vickerstown, who spotted the erosion at West Shore Caravan Park, said: “I go for regular walks around there most days with my camera.

“The amount of plastic washed up just further down is unreal

“At first sight it looks there has been a mini earthquake..

“Poor Walney is slowly falling into the sea. You slowly but surely see the coast disappearing.

“Down Thorney Nook is just as bad now.

“I feel sorry for the folks over the caravan park who are the first to experience it. How much more destruction will it take before some kind of sea defence is made?”

Coastal erosion has been a concern to the community for many years however it is now thought to be getting worse.

Cllr Frank Cassidy said severe erosion has occurred on Walney’s western coastline and in Summer 2018 Cumbria County Council invested tens of thousands of pounds to repair serious damage to clay cliffs near the South End Caravan Park.

“Coastal erosion is a concern because severe erosion could cause mud to slide into Walney channel comprimising the port of Barrow and possibly causing difficulties for sub construction.

“We contacted the Conservative Government about 18 months ago to see if they can help but we didn't a response.

"Erosion and flooding are getting worse on some parts of South Walney and there are no easy answers.

“We will need to have a re-think about what to do next.”