A campsite at a beauty spot has been forced to close after recent landslides and ground movement.

Folkestone Camping and Caravanning Club Site at the Warren has not renewed its lease with the council after uncertainty over the area’s safety.

Over the past two weeks, huge cracks appeared in the promenade and the Warren access road nearby.

Now, bosses at the campsite, which overlooks the town’s picturesque beach, have announced the closure.

A statement on their website reads: “Following ongoing ground movement concerns, we have unfortunately had to close our Folkestone Club Site.

“Safety is of paramount importance to us with annual surveys being carried out over recent years.

“The latest survey, carried out in March 2024, highlighted significant deterioration in the condition of the site and the access road.

“We have subsequently decided not to renew the lease with the local authority given the long-term safe operation of the site is unclear.

“We know this will be a disappointment to campers, and our customer services team are working hard to contact members with bookings, in arrival date order, to make alternative arrangements.”

The now-closed site has a 4.3 star rating on Google and online reviews are full of praise.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council has confirmed it is not currently accepting new tenants to lease the 60-pitch site.

A spokesman added: “We’re aware the Camping & Caravanning Club has decided not to renew its lease. We’re working closely with all landowners and stakeholders of the wider Warren site to understand the current issues and possible solutions.”

Nearby camping site Little Switzerland is understood to be open and operating as usual.

A huge crack appeared in the Tarmac on the access road, which runs alongside a railway line, and from April 22, train timetables will be adjusted slightly due to the issue.

Regular checks are being carried out on the line and a temporary speed restriction is already in place, Southeastern says.

Folkestone West services are already reduced off-peak towards Dover.

On the promenade, slabs of concrete have lifted up and parts of the area are closed to the public.

The Zig Zag path, which leads to the beauty spot, is set to be closed for repairs.