Western Arm is a dangerous place - Newhaven - 20 5 2022

HFF to all. I would be happier if this breakwater was restored and access was allowed to the gorgeous sandy West Beach. The only sandy beach for many miles on this coast

Such a shame! HFF, Phil!

Developing that beach area would make such a difference to the town. There is plenty of vacant land behind the seawall that could be put to good use.
HFF Stephan.

You definitely get that impression!
HFF Phil.

At least the lighthouse is getting some attention. HFF Pete.

It looks worse for wear Phil
HFF and a good weekend

In need of some attention I think Phil
HFF and have a good weekend

Why??
Portreath, Cornwall; and the wall and lookout hut gets demolished about once every 4 years in a great storm ... (sometimes twice in one year) ... and it's all rebuilt in about a week!

Newhaven Port is leased (I think that is the corrected term) to the French company that runs the ferry service between Newhaven and Dieppe. It is not willing to foot the bill for the breakwater's repair and it appears that the local authorities do not have the powers to force it to or the resources to do it themselves. The town would suffer economically if the ferry company pulled out as it is a major source of its income. The dredged aggregates rail-linked wharf and the support base for the wind farm have certainly improved the situation, but not enough it seems.
The issue about safety is more about bits falling off onto people on the beach rather than them being at risk while walking on the breakwater, as that could be prevented without detracting from the beach amenity.
The town council even got the beach declared a 'village green' which gives it some better status, but that has made no difference, it seems.
Newhaven doesn't have the appeal of Portreath and the tourist income. There are some improvements under way and the light industrial part of the town has been quite successful in attracting new business, but the town centre is dead, with business lost to soulless retail parks nearby.

HFF Phil and best wishes for a good weekend

Ouch, they couldn't have made it any clearer:-) Belated hFF and a good weekend!

Belated HFF, wish you a fine new week

I too used to occasionally use the ferry, living in Brighton at the time it was useful, Sorry to learn that it is suffering ~~~ HFF & Hanwe

The town centre decline is really the crux of the matter. The COOP supermarket downsized, moving to a former pub down by the marina. Peacocks followed fairly soon after that. Several smaller shops have succumbed as a result of lower footfall. The major shop in the centre is now Poundstretcher. There are bigger chain stores but they are in retail parks along the A259. So there is no heart to the town.
Thanks for the visit and 'stars'. Have a good week.

What is wrong with the seawall?