A beach in East Sussex could reopen to the public almost 20 years after safety concerns shut access to the shore.
Newhaven West Beach was closed by French owner Newhaven Port and Properties in 2008 due to the “dangerous condition” of its cliffs.
James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, presented a bill to parliament in an attempt to secure legal public access to the “beautiful sandy beach” on 28 April.
MacCleary said: “17 years ago, this beach was closed to the people of Newhaven. For generations, the West Beach was where children learned to swim, families spent their summer and memories were made. It was not just a stretch of sand; it was a part of life.”
He called on the government to “take this bill, adopt it, make it law and give Newhaven its beach back.”
Newhaven Port and Properties have previously rejected proposals to reopen the beach on health and safety grounds.
In June 2016, former mayor of Newhaven Steve Saunders said: “I am disappointed at NPP’s decision not to reopen the beach at this time and not being able to give the good news that everyone was hoping for. The people of the town are naturally angry and frustrated at its continued closure, and I completely sympathise and share in these understandable views.
“I have tried hard with officers and colleagues at Newhaven Town Council to reach a compromise solution with the Port Authority, which would see this well-loved facility available for everyone to enjoy again.”
Elsewhere, an island in Montenegro will reopen to tourists this summer after a five-year dispute over beach access.
Sveti Stefan, an island on the Budva Riviera, is set to welcome back guests from July following a settlement between the Montenegro government and island leaseholders.
The popular island was forced to close in 2021 amid a decade-long legal battle over beach access for locals.
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