BEACH huts damaged in severe storms last year, will be dismantled to allow full use of the promenade and beach during the summer.

The huts at Milford-on-Sea, which were damaged during the storms of last winter and spring, will be taken down over six weeks, starting on June 1.

George Mackay, contracts manager for Keanes Ltd, said “We will be removing the beach huts in a controlled manner to ensure public safety and minimise inconvenience.”

Their compound will be set up in Hurst Road West car park.

The promenade footpath between the Needles Eye Café and the White House will be closed off while the works are carried out.

NFDC’s head of environment services, Colin Read, said: “We’re sorry for any short term disruption, but I’m pleased that we are going to be able to restore the promenade and beach for residents and visitors to enjoy this summer.

"We do ask that people take notice of the signage and diversions while the works are going on.”

He added: “We would also encourage people to take advantage of the new coastal footpath to the west of the White House, which has now been reopened following the severe damage caused to it during the 2014 storms, while the promenade is closed.”

In March this year permission was granted for the replacement of 119 beach huts and the concrete slab on the lower promenade at Milford-on-Sea.