On Tuesday 3 September, Children from Polegate Children’s Centre were invited by Wealden District Council and the National Trust to bring their buckets and spades and spend an afternoon on Birling Gap to celebrate the official opening of the new 49 step staircase between the cliffs and beach. Browse official photo album of the event here.
Vice Chairman of Wealden District Council, Cllr Barby Dashwood-Morris cut the green ribbon to enable the children to enjoy a session of beach-combing and rock pooling. Managers from local attractions were also invited, to see the renovations that will put the nationally renowned Birling Gap firmly back on the tourist map and then to take tea in the newly refurbished National Trust café.
Access to the beach from Birling Gap was briefly closed in May to allow the installation of a new galvanised steel staircase by Uckfield based C J Thorne & Co. This was needed after the area where the cliffs met the previous staircase eroded by 10 meters in less than 20 years. The £60,000 cost of the new stairs was met jointly by Wealden District Council and The National Trust.
“I was delighted to officially re-open this tremendously popular tourist attraction and hope that everyone enjoyed the fun afternoon that was arranged,” said Councillor Barby Dashwood-Morris “The cliffs are visited by over 350,000 people each year, so it is important to both the local community and visitors to have the staircase restored”
“We are over-the-moon with our new look cafe and shop, but this is just the start,“ said National Trust Operations Manager, Zara Luxford “Next year we will be opening a visitor centre which will explore the many stories of Birling Gap and include a community exhibition space and learning room.’’
Jane Kilby, Tourism Officer at Wealden District Council said “With the National Trust Cafe and Information Centre open for 353 days of the year, the breath taking views will make it a must-visit destination for everyone
visiting – whether it’s a beach trip, a walk along the downs, or just somewhere to have a cup of tea, it’s a great place to spend the day by the seaside.“
Cuckmere Community bus kindly helped by providing transport for the event.
