NATIONAL Trust bosses say they'll explore all options for the future of Studland's Middle Beach, as part of a move to "re-engage" with residents about the effects of coastal change at the site.

The trust wants to relocate Middle Beach Cafe and the toilet block, and remove the sea defences protecting them.

However, around 3,000 people have signed petitions opposing the move, and argue the sea defences should be beefed-up allowing the cafe to remain where it is.

National Trust assistant director of operations Ian Wilson said: "We've set up a joint working group with Studland Parish Council to go through the issues again.

"Over the winter we will take down the old sea school building which is at immediate risk, but the toilets and the cafe will be staying while we talk to people about the overall issues.

"We've always been very, very clear that we want to retain a cafe and toilets at Middle Beach, all we've been saying is that the gabions have failed and therefore now is the time to relocate.

"We've said OK, we'll spend another six months talking about it. By all means, let’s keep talking and explore all the options."

The National Trust has always maintained the cafe would not be relocated before the end of the current operator's lease, which expires in October 2017.

Earlier this month the National Trust held a public exhibition at Studland Village Hall, which detailed their plans for the facilities at Middle Beach.

This work is part of a policy of non-intervention the National Trust says it wants to implement at the popular coastal site. According to the Trust these sea defences are reaching the end of their natural life.

Beach hut owner Anne Rideout said: "We fell that moving the cafe and toilets is to discourage people like us for being here."

Speaking at the Studland Village Hall drop-in session, earlier this month, National Trust general manager for Studland, Laurie Clark, told the Echo: "We are trying to consult with as many people as we possibly can about the options on the table and what the trust has chosen to put forward."

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson said: "Let’s keep talking for six months, lets draw in the local authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the local community. Let’s have this conversation again and see if we can get agreement on what the right solution is."