Birling Gap’s seaside stretch will reopen this Friday (April 24) following the completion of repairs to a stairway damaged by severe weather.

The East Sussex coastal spot has been closed for approximately two months after cliff erosion demolished the steps connecting the car park to the shoreline.

A landslide in January forced emergency services to rescue two families and a dog that were trapped on the sand.

Wealden District Council, which looks after the steps and manages the beachfront through an arrangement with The Crown Estate, confirmed that construction concluded ahead of schedule.

A council spokesperson stated that the authority was pleased Birling Gap beach was opening ahead of its initial schedule, allowing local people to enjoy this beloved scenic location especially given the favourable weather conditions at present.

The council expressed gratitude to the National Trust, RNLI and the Coastguard for their continued support and to the construction team for completing the project ahead of time.

The authority appointed Monson Engineering as lead consultant engineer, while local firm CJ Thorne & Co, operating within Wealden, carried out the structural repairs.

Members of the public will regain beach access on Friday, April 24.

Wealden District Council had originally anticipated the restoration work would extend through the summer months.