Calls to open French-owned West Beach in Newhaven to public

Calls have been made to bring an East Sussex beach into public ownership after two break-ins during the hot weather.

West Beach in Newhaven, which is ultimately owned by a French company, has been closed since 2008.

But Sussex Police said it received two reports of padlocks being broken to gain access to the beach on Sunday and then again on Monday.

The managers of the site, Newhaven Port Authority, said it was shut to the public for safety reasons.

“Access to the area remains dangerous and is restricted with security measures,” it added.

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, told the BBC the situation was “infuriating”.

“We’re desperate to use that beach,” he said.

“Obviously we cannot condone breaking and entering, but I totally understand people’s frustrations.”

“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.

The Liberal Democrat politician urged the port authority to “come to the table” and work out a “practical way” for ensuring public access to the beach.

“I believe… it should be in public hands.”