SINCE BCP Council announced that beach hut owners and tenants can return to their homes by the sea, many owners and residents alike have shared their thoughts on the matter..

This decision followed Boris Johnson's announcement on May 10 which detailed the easing of lockdown.

For many beach hut owners, this news comes as a relief as they will no longer be paying for something they are not using, but concerns have also been raised.

A Branksome Chine beach hut owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I'm really concerned as the BCP huts are all very close together and two metres would not be possible. The sensible thing to do would of been to freeze the costs but instead we are feeling like we have been robbed and want to get our monies worth so they are putting us at risk!"

"We can use the hut but it's going to be difficult, stressful and certainly not worth the £2500 we pay for a relaxed use with all our families."

Worries regarding social distancing was also emphasised by an online reader who said: "How ridiculous. How can anyone keep a safe distance when the huts are only 25 cams apart?"

Ragnar2 added: "Can the Council explain how they decided social distancing can be achieved? My hut is on a terrace which means all hut owners have to walk past at a distance much less than two metres."

However, many were pleased with the announcement from BCP Council.

A Fisherman's Walk beach hut owner, who also wished to remain anonymous, expressed her satisfaction.

She said: "I am delighted that we can use our huts again and in particular are allowed to do maintenance and repairs on them. However, I am very disappointed about the way in which the council have responded to our concerns and their slowness to act. I really can't imagine what the seafront staff could have been working on at home.

"I think they have been very unfair in their approach to payment."

Her happiness was echoed by online user WilfredJohnson who said: "Wonderful news, the wife will be happy."

Another online commenter added: "This is excellent news. Well done all."

BCP Council ask that beach hut owners abide by social distancing rules by limiting contact with those who are not in your household bubble.

Keeping the promenade clear is vital in order to allow everyone to safely maintain social distancing when visiting the beach.