Birling Gap beach closed for wood salvage

The beach at Birling Gap is to be closed for five days beginning this Thursday, February 28, to allow for wood washed ashore from the wreck of the MV Ice Prince to be removed.

“Contractors will begin the clearance operation on February 28 and we are expecting the salvage to take until March 3. The car park will continue to operate as will other Birling Gap cliff top amenities, but a crane will be in operation to help remove the planks,” explained John Gallop, Wealden District Council’s Head of Environment Protection.

The planks were washed ashore on January 23. Wealden, together with other coastal local authorities affected by the washed-up wood, has been working with the contractors to prioritise the clearance along the South Coast. Some of the planks have been smashed by the waves, while other have been pushed into the shingle so a period of five days is being allowed for the work to complete.

“ We are sorry for any inconvenience closing the beach will cause visitors,” said Mr Gallop. “However we are relieved that it looks like the planks will be gone well before the start of the Easter period.”