French fight back in battle over British beach: Foreign firm welds gate shut and installs new locks after Sussex locals broke through to get onto the sand for first time in 18 years

Published: 00:41, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 00:41, 6 July 2026 Beachgoers fighting to reopen a French-owned beach in Sussex have suffered a major setback after the gates leading to the sandy cove were sealed shut.  A large metal barrier has been welded onto the gates after a group of teenagers climbed over a security fence and ran onto West Beach in Newhaven last week.  The boys, aged 14, were seen sprinting across the sand and cheering before they jumped into the sea as temperatures soared to 33C.  The break-in came just days after a group of over 100 sun-seekers invaded the beach after angle-grinders were used to remove several padlocks.  Families splashed and swam in the sea, couples drifted around on paddle boards and happy children built sandcastles on the only sandy beach of its kind in the area. But now the French-owned company has shut the beach once again and installed tougher security measures to keep the public out. The bitter war to reopen West Beach has prompted local MP James MacClearly to introduce a bill in Parliament calling for public access to be restored. The firm, owned by the French department of Seine-Maritime, says unpredictable waves from ferries and unstable sea defences make the beach unsafe for bathers. Now the French-owned company has shut the beach once again and installed tougher security measures to keep the public out A group of teenagers are seen celebrating after climbing the sandy fence erected by Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd as temperatures climbed to 33C Pictured is a photo of the large hole that was cut into the fence last week But Mr MacCleary says the closure of the beach in 2008 has deprived the community not only of a place to cool off but also of part of Newhaven's history and identity.  He said thousands of people in the area have happy memories of holidays spent with their parents and friends on the sandy beach. Now padlocked gates, spear fencing and razor wire greet anyone trying to get onto the beach and enjoy a traditional British seaside experience. Newhaven residents have criticised the firm for ignoring the public's concerns, calling its position 'morally indefensible'. Dean Elliott, 42, a company director, said: 'I think it's a national disgrace. Our coastline should be our own and access should be a right built into our laws. 'The stretch of sand is no more dangerous than any other in the UK and with a little renovation the steps leading to the beach and the sea wall could easily be improved.' Sarah Lockyer, 52, of Peacehaven, used to bring her disabled son down to the beach when he was a boy. She said: 'I used to get such joy from it. Visiting the beach was something he loved and looked forward to and then it was cruelly taken away.  A woman with her dog is seen inspecting the large hole in the fence at West Beach Swimmers cooled off at West Beach after temperatures soared to over 30C last week The French-owned firm closed the beach in 2008 after deeming it unsafe for visitors  'I think it's outrageous our coastline can be carved up by a foreign company, which is allowed to take away something that was part of the community.' Christopher Rowntree, 78, said: 'Back in the 1960s me and my friends would spend our summers down here having a great time. 'There was a candy floss stall, a burger place and amusements like dodgems and stuff. It was lovely and, unlike Brighton which is just down the road, it was mainly local people enjoying a local amenity. 'It's morally indefensible for this company to continue shutting people out.  Instead of spending so much money on security why don't they improve the steps and sea wall and open it up for everyone - it would be a public relations coup for them.' Mr MacCleary previously emphasised that he does not wish the closure of West Beach to become an 'anti-French issue'. He said: '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.' West Beach was closed to the public in 2008 when the owner, Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd (NPP), erected high fencing and razor wire to keep people out. Beachgoers fighting to reopen a French-owned beach in Sussex have suffered a major setback The group of teenage boys were spotted trespassing on Newhaven Beach recently (pictured) The decision was enabled by a quirk of British law.  The beach itself was created in the late 19th century during the construction of Newhaven's western pier and is technically artificial. It is therefore deemed part of the port owned by the French company. As a result, the beach does not fall under the Crown Estate, National Trust or Ministry of Defence, as most of Britain's coastline does. Sussex Police arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromley after CCTV cameras overlooking West Beach were allegedly damaged with an air rifle.  Officers are also investigating two additional reports of criminal damage after padlocks on the beach gates were damaged or broken. A police spokesperson said: 'We are also working with the landowner, the Port Authority, and the local council to provide crime prevention advice and help reduce the risk of further incidents.' In a statement, NPP said: 'West Beach has been closed on safety grounds since 2008. Access to the area remains dangerous and is restricted with security measures and clear warning signage to protect public safety. Forcing entry into a restricted area is a criminal offence and places those involved at risk of serious injury. 'As the organisation responsible for managing the site, we have a duty to put public safety first and ask everyone to respect the restrictions that remain in place.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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