FEARS that Milford-on-Sea could become Milford -in-Sea have prompted a cash injection from a government fund.

The Coastal Revival Fund has awarded New Forest District Council £50,000 to implement Seafront Improvement, including promenade access works, for improved coastal protection and coastal access along a 240 metre frontage.

The pretty village hit the headlines last summer when a beach hut with a man inside it toppled over the 12 foot shingle 'cliff edge' left after violent storms swept part of the beach away.

Tracey Meade, 54, said: “The huts are teetering on the edge of a mini cliff face. You literally cannot get into your hut unless you have a ladder."

The village also fell victim to a storm on St Valentine's day in 2014, which saw diners rescued by the military after a cafe was swamped by waves.

There was good news, too, for the Friends of Swanage Bandstand who received £40,000 to help restore the historic structure.

And Portland Museum in West Dorset was handed £46,000 to replace doors and windows.

The latest investment represents 26 awards from the fifth round of the government’s Coastal Communities Fund and 44 awards from the third phase of the Coastal Revival Fund in 2018-19. It comes on top of over £180 million from both funds invested in more than 350 projects so far across the UK.

The government says the 70 projects will develop and improve tourist attractions, create jobs and promote socio-economic growth.

Announcing the awards, Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire said: "All of the projects receiving funding today were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference to their areas.

"The sheer range of ideas demonstrate the potential of our coastal communities and will all create good jobs, boost growth and improve people’s lives now and in the future."