A BEACH in the UK that has been closed for nearly two decades could soon welcome tourists back.
Newhaven West Beach in Sussex is – bizarrely – owned by French company Newhaven Port and Properties.
The sandy beach was closed to the public back in 2008, claiming it is “too dangerous” to reopen.
However, a new bill being backed by parliament could see it force to reopen to both locals and tourists again.
If passed, it would not only see it reopen but would also require them to have safe public walking routes onto the beach where access is allowed.
James MacCleary, local Liberal Democrat MP, 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.
“My West Beach Bill is about fairness. It is about standing up for a community that has been shut out of its own seafront for far too long.
“Of course safety and harbour operations matter. But they cannot be used forever as a blanket excuse to keep people away from a much-loved public amenity.
“This is the first parliamentary bill that attempts to put the right of access to West Beach into law. It sends a clear message: Newhaven deserves its beach back. The Government must now adopt this Bill and make it Law”.
It comes head of plans for a multi-million pound upgrade of Newhaven to turn it back into a popular seaside resort.
The current ferry port allows Brits to travel to Dieppe in France in just four hours.
Last year, Newhaven Fort reopened last year after a £7.5million makeover which included an escape room and adventure playground.
A splash park and playground, as well as new restaurant and outdoor gym are planned for the seafront.
The UK’s biggest waterpark nearly opened in Newhaven as well, although these plans were scrapped in 2012.