Removal of storm-damaged beach huts begins

Access to the beach near the Paddy’s Gap car park will be restricted while the work is carried out

Removal of beach huts battered by storms and left teetering on the edge of a ledge is under way.

The 31 huts at Hordle Cliff, Milford on Sea are on plots that are no longer viable because they have washed away or have vastly eroded.

The work is due to be finished before the end of June.

Paddy's Gap car park will stay open during the work, but beach access will be restricted.

The huts, along the eastern section at Hordle Cliff, have been badly damaged following a number of storms

New Forest District Council said the beach huts along the eastern section of the beach had "become increasingly vulnerable to erosion and ground movement, particularly since Storm Eunice in February 2022".

The authority said it had terminated some hut licences where beach huts cannot be relocated as there were no available plots elsewhere on the beach.

The work has been funded by beach hut income and will be weather dependant, the council added.

Ahead of the works coastal service manager Steve Cook said: "We have actively engaged with hut owners and the New Forest Beach Hut Owners Association, and have every sympathy with those who have experienced impacts at this very challenging coastal area.

"The removal of the huts is a challenging operation, made more difficult by the limited beach access and tidal working."

He added: "We advise anyone considering buying a beach hut or other asset on, or close to the coast to consider the risk before purchasing. People are welcome to contact our coastal team to understand the risks."