British beachgoers fight French as locals ‘shut out of own seafront’ – ‘national disgrace’ | UK | News
Residents say they have been denied access to their own beach for 18 years after access to a popular Sussex beach was blocked by its French owners. West Beach in Newhaven has remained closed since 2008 after owner Newhaven Port and Properties (NPP) introduced metal barriers and locked gates, citing public safety concerns. The company is owned by the French Seine-Maritime department.
Frustration grew further in recent days when more than 100 people entered the beach after the padlocks on the gates allowing families to swim, paddleboard and enjoy the sand were cut. The beach was quickly closed again and additional security measures were taken. A group of teenagers later climbed over fences to reach the beach during the recent heatwave.
The dispute has now reached Westminster, where local Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary has introduced the West Beach Bill in a bid to restore public access.
“My West Beach Bill is about justice. It’s about standing up for a community that has been confined to its own seaside for too long,” he said, adding that the campaign should not be seen as anti-French.
The NPP insists the coast remains unsafe due to unpredictable ferry washouts and deteriorating sea defences.
MacCleary said these concerns should not be a permanent reason to deny public access, arguing that the closure deprives Newhaven of a significant part of its heritage.
Dean Elliott, 42, described the situation as a “national disgrace” and added: “The sand is no more dangerous than any other in the UK and with a little refurbishment the stairs to the beach and seawall could easily be improved.”
Sarah Lockyer, 52, of Peacehaven, said: “I think it’s outrageous that our coastline has been shared by a foreign company and that company has been allowed to take something that belongs to the community.”
The unusual ownership dates back to the late 19th century, when West Beach was created during the construction of Newhaven’s west pier, leaving it outside the control of entities such as the Crown Estate.
Sussex Police are investigating criminal damage to CCTV cameras and door padlocks following recent incidents. The NPP said anyone who forced entry into the restricted area risked serious injury and stressed it had a “duty to put public safety first.”
