THE gates to a forbidden UK beach have been welded shut after recent break-ins.
Newhaven West Beach in has been since 2008.
The gates at Newhaven Beach in Sussex has been welded shut after two recent break-ins during the hot weatherCredit: Refer to source
The beachfront was privatised in 1984 and has been closed to the public since 2008Credit: Refer to source
The waterfront site was privatised under government in 1984 and is now owned by the French company Newhaven Port and Properties.
Closing the to the public almost two decades ago, the company claimed the area was “too dangerous” to reopen.
Over the years, Newhaven Port and Properties has cited high seas, dangerous cliffs, port activity, and expensive maintenance as reasons for the on-going closure.
Earlier this year, a new bill backed by was proposed to to both locals and tourists again.
French company Newhaven Port and Properties owns the site, which it claims is ‘too dangerous’ to reopen to the publicCredit: Refer to source
Sussex Police confirmed there have been two recent reports of break-ins at the siteCredit: Refer to source
Now, the gates to the site have now been welded shut after two break-ins were reported during the latest bout of hot weather.
Sussex Police said it received two reports of padlocks being broken to gain access to the beach on Sunday, June 21 and then again on Monday, June 22.
The managers of the site said: “Access to the area remains dangerous and is restricted with security measures.”
However, locals including MP James MacCleary said they are “desperate to use that beach”.
The gates to the beach have now been welded shut after padlocks were broken by individuals hoping to gain access to the beachCredit: Refer to source
Newhaven Port and Propeties has asked members of the public ‘respect the restrictions that remain in place’Credit: Refer to source
“Obviously we cannot condone breaking and entering, but I totally understand people’s frustrations,” he 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. That cannot be right.”
Newhaven Port Authority has asked “everyone to respect the restrictions that remain in place”.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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