WARNING signs rating the risks posed to holidaymakers and locals wanting to explore Perranporth's mines are being considered.

Members of Perranzabuloe Parish Council's beach group proposed the signs, which are based on protocols used by potholers, to help inform rather than scare visitors.

It has also called for Fisherman's Hole, at the bottom of Tamblyn Way steps, to be closed off at its exit, saying it poses a serious risk to people using the beach.

The council decided to launch an educational awareness programme, highlighting the risks and its mining heritage, following the death of 11-year-old holidaymaker Eleanor Clarke while she was exploring a mine adit in 2010.

It commissioned a survey by Cornwall Consultants Ltd, which was leaked to the West Briton and revealed there were 24 mining hazards on the cliffs overlooking the beach, intensifying the pressure on the council to take action.

As a result of the report, and in an apparent change of policy, the RNLI agreed to train its personnel on the mining dangers on Perranporth's beach, which attracts about 10,000 visitors a day in the summer.

RNLI lifeguard manager Dickon Berryman said a trainer "would walk the beach and point out any potential dangers to its guards so that they can then warn people during their patrols" if need be.

At Eleanor's inquest, the RNLI had said its activities would remain sea-focused and it would not get involved in cliff or mining hazards.

Mr Berryman said it would now train on mine rescue scenarios with lifeboat and coastguard crews.

The beach group said rather than danger signs, which were likely to be ignored by youngsters and people determined to explore, it wanted to use a ratings system telling people the skills needed before entering a mine.

"We contacted tourist information and found exploring caves is the second most popular activity," said Councillor David Norcott.

A former potholer with many years' experience, he told members the group wanted to create a new website outlining the signs and their meaning, and place signs in strategic points on the coast.

He said a sign depicting a family denoted a low risk, while someone crawling on their hands and knees with ropes showed climbing experience was necessary.

He also called for 1,000 leaflets about local mining heritage and signs to be printed for distribution at schools, holiday parks and campsites in time for the Easter season.

"Time's running out and we need to take action," he said. "The council needs to consider the options so that we can get started."

Councillor Linda Higgins said the signs might encourage more people into the mines, and the issue should be properly discussed.

Members will decide whether or not to back the measures at their next meeting on Monday.