The promenades and sea defences on the beaches in Ovingdean have been modified as part of the Brighton Marina and Ovingdean Coast Protection Scheme.

They will now be open to the public from 31 July, but the Undercliff Walk will remain closed until October.

However, facilities on the beaches will be lacking until 2005 when toilets, a cafe and chalets will be opened.

Finishing touches

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of Brighton & Hove's environment committee, said: "This major engineering project is renewing all the sea defences and restoring the promenade so that the public can enjoy this part of the coastline in safety for many years to come.

"We are pleased to be able to make special arrangements so that people can use the beaches at Ovingdean for part of the summer."

Specialist contractors are now putting the finishing touches to the main seawall and have completed the repair of three groynes at Ovingdean and six by the Marina.

The next stage of the project will involve construction of the main promenade deck, work on the new promenade to protect people from falls of flint and chalk and the new facilities at Ovingdean.