Rocketing beach huts rents at Hamworthy, Poole, have been described as "daylight robbery" by one angry owner.

An 80 per cent hike in charges by the Borough of Poole has led seven aggrieved owners, supported by Hamside Residents Association, to complain to the local government ombudsman, who is looking into the matter.

Hamworthy residents David Taylor, 61, and wife Moira, 60, spent years on the waiting list to get their hut, which they maintain, just to see the rent rise from £164 a year to £295 plus £106 rates.

"We waited six years to get it and now this happens. We bought the beach hut so that we could enjoy retirement when we can no longer afford foreign holidays. If it keeps rising like this, the latter will soon become the cheaper option," said Mr Taylor.

"I do feel aggrieved. We are seen as a big cash cow," he said. "All we are paying for is a piece of concrete and a water tap."

The 114 huts on the prom were subject to the rent hike as the council sought to equalise its charges.

Fred Winwood, vice-chairman of Hamside, said the council had refused to reconsider the matter and had not improved services for beach hut owners for 10-12 years.

"To put up charges by 80 per cent, without warning, for facilities that are going to be enjoyed by everyone, I think is out of order," he said.

Cllr Peter Adams, cabinet portfolio holder for leisure said: "Owners of beach huts at Hamworthy Park are renting space for their exclusive use of a seafront position and unfortunately Borough of Poole needs to bring charges for rent in line with other beach huts in the borough and wider conurbation.

"Naturally some of this additional income would go towards improving leisure services in Poole, and Hamworthy Park has been and will continue to be a beneficiary of this.

He said they regretted that residents had chosen to go to the ombudsman but would give "due consideration" to any decision.