PLANS to revive part of Highcliffe beach with plush beach huts and improved access have received a £50,000 funding boost.

The money from central government will be put towards improving coastal paths and creating better access at Highcliffe and Chewton Bunny.

The funding announcement comes after Christchurch council unveiled plans for 12 new beach huts at Highcliffe beach, created as part of a TV competition with the producers of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

And while both the beach huts and the access fall under the same project, the £50,000 will be dedicated to the paths and access only.

Highcliffe is one of just 15 projects to benefit from a share of £700,000, which ministers hope will encourage more people to visit seaside areas and boost tourism.

Coastal Communities Minister, Mark Francois said: “Across our Great British coast we’ve got heritage hooks to be proud of, but some of these places need some tender, loving, care.

“That’s why over the past year we’ve invested £3.7million to get them back into ship-shape and now Highcliffe beach and 14 more brilliant British attractions will be buoyed up by work to restore them to their former glory.

“This country has sight-seeing gems that are a match for anywhere in the world and I’d urge people to take a trip down to the seaside to discover them.”

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch council, said: “This is great news for Highcliffe. It will provide a great boost to improve the coastline and increase the number of visitors using the beach, which is bound to have economic benefits for the whole area.”

The plans for the beach huts have been criticised by some residents, who started a petition in protest against the plans.

More than 860 people have signed the online petition, calling for the plans to be scrapped.