Liberal Democrat Councillors Demand Action on Watcombe Beach: “Community Is Doing Its Bit, Now the Council Must Too”

Six Liberal Democrat councillors have come together to call on the Local Authority to urgently break the deadlock at Watcombe Beach, warning that another summer has now passed with no visible progress following the devastating fire in May 2024.

While recognising recent investment that improved access and helped Watcombe achieve ‘Good Beach Guide’ status, Cllrs Steve Darling, George Darling, Swithin Long, Mike Fox, and Ras Virdee and Kelly Harvey say it’s unacceptable that two years after the fire, the site remains an eyesore, with the burnt-out café still untouched and long-term plans unclear.

In a letter to the Chief Executive, the councillors raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding £40,000 in council funding earmarked for nature enhancement and biodiversity improvements at Watcombe and Broadsands beaches respectively.

“We understand that £40,000 has been allocated, but we still don’t know how or when that money will be spent. The public deserves clarity and a commitment to real action,” says Cllr George Darling.

Local residents have shown “incredible resilience and commitment” by organising regular litter picks, painting murals, and taking care of the area despite long-term neglect and repeated vandalism.

“The community is doing its part; it’s now time for the Local Authority to get its act together and demonstrate it is equally invested in protecting and improving these valued local spaces,” the councillors wrote.

They are calling for:

• A clear explanation of how the £40k is being spent across Watcombe and Broadsands
• A specific timeline for action at Watcombe, including site clearance and long-term planning
• Clarity on how the Broadsands biodiversity project will be delivered.

“Watcombe Beach has huge potential but right now the Local Authority is in danger of letting the vandals win. Residents have waited long enough. The council must now show leadership and urgency,” Cllr Swithin Long added.

The councillors are awaiting a full response from the council leadership and say they will continue pressing for answers on behalf of local residents.