Iconic British beach could REOPEN after being closed for two decades

The company has maintained the eroded walls along the sandy stretch are "too dangerous" for visitors to access.

Now, a parliamentary bill has been launched to compel the owners to reopen the beach gates for residents and holidaymakers once again.

The West Beach Bill would establish a legal right of access to reinstate the once thriving stretch of sand.

Should the legislation pass, it would not merely force the beach to reopen, but also mandate the provision of safe pedestrian routes to access.

The bill was launched after constituents had voiced concern over being barred from their own coastline.

While safety considerations and harbour operations have been raised, critics have said they cannot serve as justification for blocking access to a cherished public space.

Newhaven West Beach was once an iconic, bustling beauty spot, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The coastline features on a postcard dated to 1982, depicting huge crowds both littering the sandy beach, and sunbathing along the sea wall.

The push to reopen West Beach forms part of wider ambitions to restore the town's appeal as a coastal destination.

Newhaven Fort welcomed visitors again last year, following a £7.5million renovation introducing an escape room and adventure playground to the historic site.

Further developments are in the pipeline for the seafront, with plans for a splash park, children's play area, restaurant and outdoor gym.

The port town also offers ferry connections to Dieppe, with crossings taking approximately four hours.

The UK’s biggest waterpark also nearly opened in Newhaven, although these plans were scrapped in 2012.