Birling Gap Set To Re-Open This Summer Following Storm Damage

The popular south coast beauty spot of Birling Gap is set to re-open this summer after storm damage forced the closure of the staircase leading down to the beach.

The staircase, which connects the car park to the beach, has been out of use for around two months following recent cliff falls that caused significant damage.

Wealden District Council, which manages the foreshore on behalf of The Crown Estate and owns the staircase, says repair work will begin soon, with structural elements being fabricated before installation.

The works are expected to take several weeks.

The council has been working closely with stakeholders, including The National Trust, The Coastguard, and RNLI, to ensure the staircase remains safe and continues to support both visitors and emergency services, as well as local tourism and environmental clean-ups.

The stairs will re-open once all works are complete and officially signed off.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said:

“Birling Gap is a much-loved beauty spot and an important visitor attraction for both locals and visitors from across the country.

"We are working hard to ensure the site can reopen so people can enjoy it 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.”