West Wittering Beach to reopen next week - but numbers will be ‘strictly limited’

West Wittering Beach will reopen next Wednesday (May 27) but will adhere to social distancing rules by limiting the number of vehicles able to park on the site.
West Wittering Beach, Pic: GoogleWest Wittering Beach, Pic: Google
West Wittering Beach, Pic: Google

The beach will remain closed over the late, May bank holiday weekend but visitors will be able to park at the beach from next Wednesday by pre-booking only.

West Wittering Estate stressed that numbers will be ‘strictly limited’.

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A spokesperson said: “You will be able to book a parking space up to three days prior to your visit – if you don’t book, sadly you will be turned away.”

Despite the relaxation of some Covid19 restrictions, the beach will remain closed this weekend.

Local residents and others who can access the beach on foot ‘will still be able to do so’ but the estate said its management does not feel opening fully ‘is in keeping with prevailing government advice on social distancing’.

“We understand that people will want to visit the beach now some Covid19 restrictions have been relaxed,” the spokesperson said. “However, we are not confident that we will be able to maintain adequate social distancing should a large volume of cars arrive, as is typical for us on a sunny bank joliday.”

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From May 27, limited number of cars will be allowed to park at the beach each day, however the only way to pay for parking will be via the app, JustPark.

The spokesperson said: “By checking the JustPark pre-pay booking app before setting off, our visitors will know whether there is capacity in the car park or if it would be better to plan to visit on another day.

“Alongside supporting the safety of visitors and the estate’s staff, it is hoped that this change will ensure that people wishing to visit the beach do not have a wasted journey.

“Potential visitors are also strongly discouraged from driving to the West Wittering area without a pre-booked parking slot. There is no other parking within the village.”

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West Wittering Estate said its ‘utmost priority’ is to protect the safety of visitors and staff, adding: “We’ve taken the necessary steps to introduce a responsible car park capacity and pre-pay entry only scheme.

“This will allow us to ensure social distancing is practical and means visitors can feel confident in their safety by effectively following the two-metre social distancing rule.

“We are continuing to work closely with the local authority and Highways Agency to ensure a safe environment both on the beach, on the roads network in our area and in the wider community.

“As there is no available on-street parking within the village we would ask that people not to drive and visit the beach without a pre-booking, and be considerate towards our neighbours and local community.

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“We look forward to welcoming back some visitors from May 27.”

The estate said these changes will not impact season ticket holders. Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus, or who has been in contact with someone who has in the last 14 days, is asked to stay away from the beach.

For more information on parking, visit westwitteringestate.co.uk.

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