A BEACH is still cordoned off after the wall of a groyne collapsed onto the beach below.

Large chunks of the Grade II listed Albion Groyne near Brighton's Palace Pier crumbled and fell yesterday.

The stone work broke off from the groyne after being battered by high winds and strong waves.

The Argus:

Fences have been put in place to stop people going onto the beach to the west of the pier.

A series of signs have also been stuck in the pebbles in front of the groyne, warning people of the "danger" of going near the collapsed structure.

The collapse follows months of extreme weather conditions in the South East.

The Argus:

Last month promenade benches were torn from the Tarmac and tossed onto the beach, recycling bins were ripped from their fixings and even the Brighton Palace Pier shook as storms struck the city.

A total of 25 of the new recycling bins were torn from their fixings, tonnes of beach pebbles were pushed up onto the promenade, three beach huts were damaged and benches were blown along the promenade.

The Argus:

This weather has returned this weekend with winds reaching almost 50mph.

A council spokesman said: "Parts of the Albion groyne near the Brighton Palace Pier has collapsed due to high seas and winds on Saturday afternoon.

"We have cordoned off the area surrounding the groyne and will be taking further measures to secure the area.

The Argus:

"We’re advising everyone to stay away from the groyne because the continuing stormy weather may lead to further masonry falling onto the beach."

The groyne is made of flint and stone and the structure dates back to the 1880s.

Sections of the structure needed to be rebuilt through the 20th century.

It was, at one point, used as a point to receive coal deliveries.

It was also a popular place to visit for Victorian tourists visiting Brighton.