A long-closed beach could finally reopen to the public under a new Parliamentary Bill.
West Beach, Newhaven’s sandy beach at the entrance to the harbour has been closed since 2008 by Newhaven Port and Properties, a French-owned company, due to safety concerns.
James MacCleary, the area's Liberal Democrat MP, has introduced the Newhaven West Beach (Public Access) Bill in Parliament in a renewed effort to secure public access after 17 years of closure.
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Mr MacCleary said: “West Beach belongs in the life of Newhaven. For 17 years, families have been locked out of our town’s only sandy beach. Parents who played there as children have never been able to take their own children there – mine included.
"That is a real loss.
“We are now seeing genuine momentum. My Bill in Parliament, alongside progress in talks, means this campaign is moving forward.
"The government must adopt my Bill and make it law – for too long the people of Newhaven have been let down.
“Reopening West Beach would restore a treasured community space, revive local pride and allow a new generation to make memories there.
“Newhaven has waited long enough. It is time to give the town its beach back.”
The Bill would require the harbour authority to provide and maintain public access to the beach, allowing restrictions only where strictly necessary for safety or harbour operations.
Last year, MacCleary reported he was in talks with counterparts in Dieppe and French officials to help push the matter forward.
He said: “Shut off by Newhaven Port and Properties, which is partly controlled by the French authorities, this treasured local space has been out of bounds to residents for too long.
“I have engaged directly with those responsible to demand answers and to push for the beach to be reopened.
“This is not just about a stretch of sand; it is about fairness, local pride and the right of communities to enjoy what should be a shared public asset.
“Generations of local families have memories of happy summers spent on that beach.
“They should not have to look back wistfully; they should be able to return to it.
“We will keep fighting to reopen the West Beach - enough is enough.”
The Bill, if passed, would require the harbour authority to reopen and maintain public access, allowing restrictions only where necessary for safety or harbour operations.
In September 2025, Mr MacCleary told The Argus that he is determined to see the campaign succeed.
He said: “West Beach is part of who we are in Newhaven.
“It was where children learned to swim, families gathered, and memories were made.
“Since 2008 it's been shut and an entire generation has grown up without access to their own sandy beach.
“I have raised this in Parliament and with key stakeholders and we are finally seeing signs of progress.
“I will not stop until West Beach is reopened for the community.”
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