Damaged beach huts to be removed by council

The council said some of the huts were damaged because of beach erosion and cliff movement

A council has begun work to remove 43 cliffside beach huts that have been damaged or are at risk due to erosion and cliff movement.

New Forest District Council (NFDC) has closed the site of the huts at the eastern section at Hordle Cliff, Milford on Sea, during the removal process.

The work is expected to take up to three weeks and will see contractors use land-based machinery to bring some of the huts up to Paddy's Gap for relocation or recycling.

The local authority said it has terminated some beach hut licences, when relocation was not possible.

It added that under the licence conditions, the removal of a beach hut from the site is the responsibility of the owner.

The council said the operation has been funded by beach hut income and contributions from the beach hut owners.

The works are expected to take up to three weeks

Councillor Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability with NFDC, said: "We have every sympathy with those who have experienced impacts at this very challenging coastal area and have actively engaged with hut owners and the New Forest Beach Hut Owners Association.

"Beach erosion and cliff movement caused by winter storms has damaged some beach huts and caused others at the eastern end of Hordle Cliff to be at greater risk from future storms.

"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."