Birling Gap to re-open this summer after storm damages

The beauty spot at the south of the district has been out of use for two months after cliff falls caused damage to the staircase, which takes visitors from the car park at Birling Gap down to the beach.

Wealden District Council, which manages the foreshore on behalf of The Crown Estate and is the owner of the staircase, has announced that works will be commencing soon and are planning that the beach will re-open for the summer season.

Structural elements will be fabricated before installation works can begin which will take several weeks.

The council has collaborated with stakeholders such as The National Trust, The Coastguard and RNLI to ensure that the Birling Gap steps continue to provide safety and operational support to beach users and emergency services, including access for environmental clean ups and to support local tourism.

The stairs will be re-opened once the works have been completed and signed off.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “Birling Gap is a much-loved beauty spot in our district and an important visitor attraction both for local residents and for people travelling from across the country. We are working hard to ensure the site can reopen so people can enjoy visiting during the summer. However, it is essential that the storm-damaged stairs are fully assessed and made structurally safe before they can be brought back into use.”