A judge has ruled that the public can use private land to get to Rye Beach because they've been doing so for more than 20 years.
The case was brought by 24-year Rye resident Robert Jesurum. The Sanders Poynt property and adjacent Wentworth by the Sea Country Club are owned by Bill Binnie.
The Portsmouth Herald reports that Superior Court Judge Marguerite Wageling said her ruling "may extend not only to beach access, but to parking and boat-launching rights." That will be determined later.
The case started when Binnie and the country club put up a fence, boulders and shrubs. Before that, there were no signs prohibiting public access.
Benjamin King, who represented Binnie and the country club, said they disagree with the ruling and may seek an appeal.