Cliff step repairs 'progressing well' after landslip

Work to repair steps down to Birling Gap beach has been "progressing well" and remains on track to be completed by the early May bank holiday weekend, the local council has said.

The beauty spot near Eastbourne has been closed since January after tonnes of rock fell and damaged the steps, which give access to the beach.

A new flight of stairs was lowered into place on Tuesday, with repairs to the debris screen and platform under way, Wealden District Council said.

Once a safety check has been carried out, the steps and platform will be re-opened, and beach access should be fully restored by 2 May, the authority added.

Two families were rescued from the beach after the cliff fall in January, which happened shortly after Storm Chandra hit the south coast.

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