Residents of East Sussex are calling for the privately-owned West Beach in Newhaven to be opened to the public after two break-ins during the hot weather. The beach, which has been closed since 2008 due to safety concerns, has been the subject of a long-standing campaign to bring it into public ownership.
East Sussex MP James MacCleary has urged the port authority to work out a plan for public access to the beach, which is ultimately owned by a French company. 'If you are going to shut off the only sandy beach in the area when it is 30 degrees outside - and people want somewhere for their kids to go and have a paddle - I really don't know what they think is going to happen,' he said.
A petition has been launched to reopen West Beach to the public, with over 1,000 signatures already collected. Local councillor Zoe Nicholson has expressed support for the campaign, which is being led by MP MacCleary. 'We fully support his efforts to bring the beach into public ownership,' she said.
For those planning to visit East Sussex, it's worth noting that the beach is currently closed due to safety concerns. However, there are several other beaches in the area that are open to the public, including the popular Belle Tout Beach.