WORKS to replace beach huts ravaged by storms in 2014 are nearing completion.

Construction workers have entered the final stages of the project to replace 119 beach huts and improve the seafront at Milford-on-Sea.

The concrete huts were battered by 80mph winds tearing them apart on Valentine's Day three years ago.

The works, which started in September 2016, are being carried out by Raymond Brown Construction Ltd from Ringwood.

Overall the project has cost £2.3million - nearly double the original estimate.

In the last few weeks all of the brightly coloured beach hut doors have been installed and carpenters have been attaching the doors.

The new walkway is being laid on top of the huts giving pedestrians a vantage point to take in the sea views and stainless steel handrails have been fitted.

All of the rear steps between the rear promenade and the upper hut promenade are now in place and works to the ramps on the lower promenade and at the beach are progressing. The access ramp at the western end will curve around the existing wartime pillbox will be installed imminently.

Construction workers, New Forest District Councillors and interested parties are due to meet on Tuesday, May 9 to celebrate the official unveiling, weather permitting.

Steve Cook, New Forest District Council’s coastal and public facilities manager who is project managing the Milford seafront scheme build, said: “The new beach huts and improvements to Milford’s seafront have been taking shape and progressing extremely well since we began last September.

"We are on track to complete the build in the next few weeks and we are very much looking forward to welcoming people back to enjoy the beach.”