CRACK OF DOOM? Landslide fear as deluge splits cliff.

Byline: VICTORIA ALLEN

A VILLAGE made famous by hit movie Local Hero was closed yesterday amid fears of a landslip after a crack appeared in a cliff.

Traffic is banned from entering Pennan, Aberdeenshire, after the 10-inch gap opened up above the houses following recent heavy rain.

Officials fear a landslide could send tonnes of earth and rubble on to the one road to the village. In 2007, tonnes of mud and water slid down the cliffs, destroying properties and forcing an evacuation.

Residents were told to pack overnight bags in case they needed to leave.

Aberdeenshire Council spokesman Iain Gabriel said: "The road into Pennan is partially closed. We are only letting essential, emergency traffic down there. We are in close contact with the 12 householders currently living there and it's up to them to make an informed decision on whether they wish to take a short break away from the village."

Pennan, which is surrounded by cliffs, became a hotspot for tourists after it featured in the 1983 Burt Lancaster film Local Hero.

They flock from all over the world to walk down the single street and use the iconic red phonebox, both made famous in the movie.

Film Hero

Pennan was the setting for 1983 film Local Hero starring Burt Lancaster

Pennan. Aberdeenshire Yesterday

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2007 Pennan after mudslide two years ago MIND THE GAP Crack opens up in cliff