A popular clifftop path which has been out of bounds since Storm Ciaran is to stay shut until spring.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) say they are working with consultants to “stabilise” the Cow Path, at the Lower Leas Coastal Park, in Folkestone.

Pedestrians have been unable to use part of the route – which links The Leas and Lower Sandgate Road – for three months, following the rainfall and adverse weather caused by Storm Ciaran, which saw the county battered by 85mph winds.

Passer-by James Butcher, who previously took a picture of the landslip, said at the time: “Quite a landslip on the Cow Path down from The Leas to the Lower Coastal Park.

“The path is now impassable.”

Now, FHDC says they are “exploring various methods” to get the path back in use.

A spokesman for the authority said: “We are currently in consultation with structural and geotechnical engineers to understand the cause of the landslip, as well as a method of protection for the exposed cliff face and the undermined footpath.

“The Leas is a soft cliff that is naturally susceptible to erosion and landslips which presents specific challenges.

“We are exploring various methods of protection such as re-vegetation of existing and new planting to provide stability as well as reprofiling of the remaining material with improved drainage.”

In documents released ahead of a full council meeting it was noted the section of the path will “likely remain out of use until the spring”.

It is not the first time the route has been pictured in such a condition, with similar images taken back in 2013.

The Cow Path route can be used to get to the soon-to-be-open Leas Lift.

It was revealed in November the landmark is due to reopen in 2025 – eight years after closing.

The team behind the structure secured £4.8 million of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning the overall fundraising target of £6.6m has been reached to bring it back into use.