Birling Gap Staircase Set to Reopen for Summer After Cliff Fall Damage

Plans are underway to re-open the staircase at Birling Gap this summer after recent cliff falls forced the popular beach access route to close for two months. The staircase, which takes visitors from the car park down to the beach, was damaged following the most recent cliff fall at the well-known beauty spot on the […]

Plans are underway to re-open the staircase at Birling Gap this summer after recent cliff falls forced the popular beach access route to close for two months.

The staircase, which takes visitors from the car park down to the beach, was damaged following the most recent cliff fall at the well-known beauty spot on the Sussex coast.

Wealden District Council, which manages the foreshore on behalf of The Crown Estate and owns the staircase, said an investigative survey has now been completed and repair works will begin soon.

Structural elements for the staircase will first be fabricated before installation work can begin. The council says the installation phase will take several weeks, with the aim of reopening the beach access in time for the summer season.

During the planning process the council worked closely with several partners including National Trust, HM Coastguard, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to ensure the steps continue to provide safe access for visitors as well as operational access for emergency services.

The staircase is also used for environmental clean-ups and plays an important role in supporting local tourism in the area.

The stairs will reopen once the repair work has been completed and officially signed off.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management at Wealden District Council, 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.”