Plans to remove access between a UK town and a secluded beach have sparked fury among locals who warned against sacrificing “one of the most iconic views in the world”. Hope Gap beach near Seaford in East Sussex was shut off from public access two years ago due to dangers from “extreme cliff erosion”. A petition with over 1,600 signatures has called for the beauty spot to reopen and warned that permanently fencing it off would “effectively shut off access forever”.
Seaford Town Council backed a motion to not repair the steps leading down to the seafront during a meeting last week, however, instead allowing “nature to take its course so [the walkway] gradually becomes demolished by the sea”. As well as proving popular with residents and visiting holidaymakers for its views of the Seven Sisters cliffs, the spot shot to fame when it inspired the 2019 film Hope Gap, a family drama starring Annette Bening and Bill Nighy and shot on location.
The council pledged to clearly outline the reasons behind its decision to locals and acknowledged “the sentimentality of the site”, The Argus reported.
“After being closed for over two years, the future of Hope Gap beach access is in jeopardy,” petition organiser Fiona Lewis said.
“The access was originally gifted to the people of Seaford with the promise of maintaining it for local enjoyment and tourist attraction.
“Hope Gap has always been a cherished spot for local families – and offers a unique view of one of the most iconic views in the world. The joy it brings is immeasurable.”
“This is about more than just access,” she continued. “It’s about preserving our unique heritage for future generations.”
“This is one of the most iconic sights of the British Isles, aka the Seven Sisters, with the Birling Gap lighthouse right on the skyline in the distance,” one signee added.
In a statement updating residents on the Hope Gap beach closure in July, the council described the steps as “dangerously unsafe” and urged against ignoring the danger signs and continuing to visit the site.
Sharing a further update after the meeting on Friday, a spokesperson said: “It was agreed that the Hope Gap steps will remain closed and that officers will do further work to invite quotes from suitably competent/qualified engineers to provide a feasability study with the variety of options and costings that are available.”