A long-closed beach has become a public access flashpoint once again after frustrated residents forced entry.
West Beach in Newhaven was closed by owner Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd, which is itself owned by a French public body, in the late 2000s, and has remained off-limits ever since despite repeated pleas for public access.
On Sunday, June 21, locked gates blocking access to the sandy shoreline were broken open, and members of the public entered the beach, one of the only sandy beaches in the area.
Pensioner Jean Bacon said: "We need our beach, we need it open. It’s disgusting.
“We used to go down there when I was a kid.
“That beach used to be packed with children.
“They don’t realise what a beautiful thing they’ve got there.
“Now, I’m stuck at home sweating.
“These French b******s.
“All the MPs have probably got swimming pools in their gardens, so they don’t care.
“I would saw the lock off myself if I had something to do it with."
Public sector worker, Jamie, 39, said: “Breaking the law is never on, but it would be nice if it could be open legally and properly.”
James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for the area, who has long been campaigning for the reopening of the beach, said: "West Beach is not just a strip of sand, it is part of Newhaven’s history, its identity and its community life.
"For 17 years, local families – including my own – have been denied access to a beach where generations once swam, played and made memories.
He has even tabled a bill seeking to re-open the beach in parliament.
"It is about standing up for a community that has been shut out of its own seafront for far too long.
"Of course safety and harbour operations matter.
"But they cannot be used forever as a blanket excuse to keep people away from a much-loved public amenity."
The lock was replaced on Monday morning.
Sussex Police confirmed they had received a report of a padlock being broken and someone gaining access to a closed section of beach at East Quay, Newhaven, at around 11.45am on Sunday, June 21.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police online, quoting serial 579 of 21/06.
Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd has been contacted for comment.
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