WORK is set to start on controversial storm-damaged beach huts by New Forest District Council seeing 119 developed at Milford on Sea.

The new concrete beach huts – originally 120 in number, aimed to improve the town's seafront – will include works to replace the upper and lower promenades and install access ramps and steps.

Raymond Brown Construction Ltd, of Ringwood, was awarded the contract.

Works will begin on September 5 and are expected to take around six months.

As previously reported, the scheme came under scrutiny earlier this year when it was revealed the huts would cost £2.3 million - almost double to original estimate.

NFDC Cabinet members approved the scheme after more than two years of debate to spend the additional £1.1 million - £170,560 extra for the huts and £861,271 for the seafront works.

Cllr Sophie Beeton, NFDC’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “It’s exciting to see work begin on rebuilding the beach huts. With their innovative design this landmark project is sure to enhance the seafront for residents and visitors to our stunning coastline.

“By starting work after the school holidays have ended we are aiming to keep disruption to a minimum. We will keep residents informed during the project and I would encourage people to visit our website newforest.gov.uk/beachhuts to see how the project progresses.”

Hurst Road West car park will be closed from September 5 for the duration of the works, as the area will be used as the contractor’s compound. Hurst Road East car park will remain open throughout the build, as will the public toilets. The nearest alternative public toilets with disabled parking are at Sea Road car park.

The construction site will extend from beside The White House at the western end to the slipway in front of the Needles Eye café at the eastern end. The upper and lower promenades will be closed to the public between these two points for the duration of the build. Users of the coastal footpath will be diverted along Hurst Road.

Lorries delivering to the site will avoid Milford village by using the B3058 coast road to the west of the village.