Newhaven West Beach

Let's set the scene: Crowds paddling, umbrellas, deckchairs, loud music - how about ATB - '9 PM (Til I come)' (sorry 90's kid!), barbecue and walks along the breakwater?

The height of summer this is how it should be at one of the newest attractions in Sussex!

But alas - tis not...

There are few scenarios that bring an entire area together.

 

The Battle of West Beach

What has been seen at West Beach, Newhaven is by far the biggest push back by the area on any subject since the incinerator - but this may have a similar but more positive legacy. Brought to the fore by the excessive temperatures recently, countless locals have taken matters into their own hands and 'opened' our unique, sandy beach for themselves and others.

Now I'm not going to condone this, but like others and our very own MP, completely sympathies with the cause.

Closed in 2006, then again in 2007 and 2008 with concern over condition of the sea wall, further reasons have been cited since to prevent the beaches reopening - key of which, according to the Supreme Court, is the affect on harbor operations - despite not being a concern before that. The condition of the steps also a notable and not irreparable concern. With the steps fixed, could a marked barrier be floated at the edge of the beach confines to make people safe from shipping?

The breakwater too has been a target for access and over this time has seen the gate open and public on it, some standing in the footsteps of late loved ones. This particular structure part of the original complex of tramways in the area, linked to the main railway line via the previous Swing Bridge.

It is understood that should the breaking into the beach continue to persist, that access to the whole area may be restricted. It's not clear how this would work.

 

In development 

All this takes place whilst there is a plan for a complete redevelopment of the West Beach area to the rear underneath the cliffs, and is currently fenced off.  The fencing precludes fireworks or other events taking place here.

Plans including a 'destination' glass-fronted restaurant, community facilities, a children's play area, and outdoor fitness including gym and beach volleyball. All this unanimously approved and supported by Lewes District Councils planning committee.

 

Trafficator

Now, my job our to look at how access to our open beach can be managed in the first instance, followed by the fuller project of the West Beach development.

The issue comes with transport and access to this incredible area. As Camber Sands has shown, a sandy beach and associated attractions, even without a gigantic chalet holiday camp, can draw massive traffic issues. Ironically, even this has a former tramline linked to the main station screaming for a revival!

By the way, maybe we need a double entendre beach shop come newsagent close to the Marina to manage the needs of visitors.

With the expected irony of locals brining a car to a local beach, opening the beach for various days and special events, as well as not working, will bring about traffic concern. Gridlock towards the lower end and with no suitable pathway, there's also a concern about pedestrian movement. It's not clear who would foot the bill of responsibility for traffic stewarding.

 

Special shuttle bus

Operation of a shuttle bus only at times when the beach opens may not only need to be supported by local charities and council, but operated a little away from the bus you'd normally expect for a seaside town.

Dates would need to be booked weeks in advance and advertising available. Then the weather plays a part. Like Burling Gap, Camber Sands or suchlike, it's ok when the weather is great, but numbers will be lost to the rain.

This is an issue more for a dedicated service.

 

Beachy keen

A fuller service provided by one of the bigger bus companies in the area would help provide a bus in the traditional sense, possibly operate to a timetable Interworked with the other routes and be able to accommodate at most two wheelchairs and five buggies.

Currently the closest route is 145 at Gibbon Road Bottom (actually there is another bus stop at the Post Box on Fort Road (I've said that so many times it's come up on the auto correct - figures!). Three buses a day come from Lewes and head off towards Denton and South Heighton not to return with nothing Sunday's since 2019 with the failed locally funded experimental service.

There was a 145X running between Newhaven Fort and Newhaven Town Station. Brewhaven also has a minibus also. So serving the lower end of Fort Road, the Marina and West Beach isn't an impossibility. Test trip anyone?

The destination of 'Newhaven, West Beach' being very self explanatory. Though only reached by bus from the west. There is arguably, space to turn a bus here of it were needed and made accessible - and provision needed for an actual stop.

Route 23 would seem to be the perfect antidote to this - extended as it will be to Peacehaven. But with route 14 continuing to serve Newhaven and extended to Sainsbury's and given the need and concern about access to RSCH, would it be better to swap the routes and let 14 come to Newhaven Beach (takin onto account route 494) and extend 23 to Sainsbury's?

What about the area more broadly. Route 145 does too much and both Gibbon Road and Court Farm Road are in need and requesting more buses. An hourly service has been suggested before: https://www.facebook.com/groups/343229310444392/permalink/430341131733209/?_rdr 

Harbour Heights is now on the back burner and with this in mind, the shuttle bus, route 12 and/or 145 extension and no longer needed - for now(!) Could route 14 serve Gibbon Road as 145 does now with stops placed in the opposite direction, serving Western road towards Newhaven, Elim Church or is are the roads just not suitable? What about that one way system here?

The concern about bus use here needs to note that Newhaven beach serves and long pebbly area noted for many visitors treasure hunting out of season. Funding would be needed from local council, ESCC or the developers of West Beach.

Until the welcomed new facilities come with the new development, the new public toilets being useful for drivers to/from the beach?

Dotto for this idea?

Other suggestions have included a taxi or rickshaw service to the town. Another has been a Dotto (and this was from a young person): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GV6F6SFTT/ 

The fact that this is being looked at so strongly by others indicates people are getting it. So how about it? A bus, a rickshaw, a minibus or full time extension to one of our key routes? Open full time or part time - from Hastings to Selsey, how about we make Newhaven Beach a beacon on our very own Sussex Riviera?