ANGRY beach hut owners will confront council staff over plans to block their sea view.

They have demanded a meeting with seafront staff after plans were revealed to place huts in front of 14 existing ones near Manor Steps, between Bournemouth and Southbourne.

Gillian Vincent, 79, has owned a hut there for more than 50 years and she has led protests against the proposal.

She said the beach, prom and sea will be obscured and said owners have not been consulted or offered compensation.

She added: "We asked if we could be re-sited and we were told there's a 10-year waiting list for beach huts and we would have to go on the bottom of the list."

The council claims it needs to create a turning circle for the land train ahead of the opening of 15 new overnight huts in the area and therefore needs to move 14 huts in front of others.

Mrs Vincent said: "I can't believe they are treating us like this and I think they've already made up their minds to ignore us. We are considering getting legal advice."

A spokesman for Bournemouth council confirmed a meeting will take place tomorrow. (Weds Feb 22)