A French-owned company has significantly bolstered security measures at West Beach in Newhaven, Sussex, welding shut gates and installing new locks after recent public incursions onto the sand. The move comes after groups of locals, including teenagers and over 100 sun-seekers, bypassed existing barriers to access the beach, which has been closed to the public since 2008.
The escalating dispute has prompted local MP James MacCleary to introduce a bill in Parliament aimed at restoring public access to the coastline. The company, Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd (NPP), which is owned by the French department of Seine-Maritime, maintains the beach is unsafe due to unpredictable waves from ferries and unstable sea defenses.
MacCleary, however, argues that the beach's closure in 2008 has deprived the community of a vital recreational space and a piece of local heritage. He noted that thousands of residents have fond memories of the beach, which offers a rare sandy cove in the area. Recent incidents saw teenagers climbing over a fence and running onto the sand amid 33C temperatures, while another group used angle-grinders to remove padlocks, leading to over 100 people accessing the beach.
Newhaven residents have voiced criticism, with some calling the company's stance "morally indefensible." Dean Elliott, a company director, stated that the coastline should be a public right and that the beach is no more dangerous than others in the UK, suggesting improvements to access points could be made. Sarah Lockyer, who previously brought her disabled son to the beach, expressed her dismay at its loss. Christopher Rowntree recalled fond memories of the beach in the 1960s when it featured amusements and was primarily used by locals.
The unique legal status of West Beach, created during the construction of Newhaven's western pier in the late 19th century, means it is considered artificial and part of the port, rather than falling under typical coastal land management bodies. Police have investigated damage to CCTV cameras and padlocks, and are working with the landowner and local council on crime prevention. NPP stated that access remains dangerous and restricted to protect public safety, emphasizing their duty to prioritize it.
