SCARBOROUGH Borough Council has said it will work with the landowner and any other organisations to improve safety following the death of a nine-year-old girl at Staithes beach.

North Yorkshire Coroner Michael Oakley ruled a cause of accidental death after Harriet Forster, from Oxford, died of head injuries when she was struck by a falling boulder on the beach on August 8.

During the inquest at Scarborough Town Hall, Mr Oakley suggested a permanent barrier be put up preventing tourists from going near the spot of the rockfall.

He also recommended that clearer signs be put up as only one sign is currently in place warning the public about rock falls from above, stating “Beware, dangerous cliffs”.

A council spokesman said: “Our sincere sympathies very much remain with the family of Harriet Forster following her tragic accidental death in August. Once we are notified of the findings of the inquest, whilst we are not the landowner of the cliff, we will be ready to work with the landowner and other relevant organisations to ensure any recommendations from the coroner are implemented.”

The National Trust, which owns the cliffs that form part of the Cleveland Way, said in a statement that it would “continue to monitor visitor safety” on the cliffs.