Access to the cliffs was restricted following falls of chalk in the area

About 100 walkers attended a protest on Sunday against the closure of Undercliff Walk, near Brighton Marina.

Campaigners broke through fencing put up months ago to block the path while a decision was made over whether the cliffs should be stabilised.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it had to bear in mind safety issues and the historic importance of the cliffs.

Woolly rhinos

Safety concerns were first raised at the site, between Black Rock and Newhaven, after chalk and rock falls in 2001.

The council drew up a plan to secure the area with bolts and mesh, to make it safe for walkers.

But English Nature objected to the scheme, on the basis it would block access to fossils of mammoths and woolly rhinos preserved in the cliffs.

Councillors are to discuss the situation and make a decision on Thursday afternoon.