A “dangerous” coastal path has shut after ivy caused chunks of chalk and foliage to fall away from a cliff face.

Nature expert Nik Mitchell, who lives close to West Cliff Promenade in Ramsgate, noticed the hazard yesterday.

He says the issue has been caused by ivy which was cut away from the railings above, after growing around them.

This, coupled with the strong winds yesterday, has caused it to come away from the cliff edge towards the footpath below, bringing chunks of rock entangled in the roots with it.

Mr Mitchell told KentOnline: “Big sheets of the ivy are coming down and dragging the chalk with it.

“With the winds, it's lost its grasp and absolutely massive chunks of it are falling away from the cliff directly above the walkways.”

He reports that the path was closed and later reopened by the council two weeks ago so that some maintenance could be carried out on the plants.

Ivy became tangled around the handrail with its roots embedded into the cliff face.

But when workers cut the climbing plant away from its anchor point its weight caused extra strain on the cliff.

Intensifying pressure from high winds and heavy rain would eventually see the cracked chalk face crash onto the path.

Bollards have been put in place as of today to stop the public from travelling through.

Mr Mitchell added: “It needs to be sorted as soon as possible.

“It is dangerous and a hazard for anyone walking below it.”

Thanet District Council has said it will be completing work on the area this week, adding: “We are aware of a section of ivy that has become detached from the cliff face above West Cliff Promenade in Ramsgate.

“Two access points to the promenade will remain closed until the affected vegetation has been removed. It is expected that the work will be completed this week.”