DECKCHAIR will likely be back on our beaches next summer, despite reported fears over anti-social behaviour stopping their return this year.

That is the message from BCP Council who have issued an update on the somewhat divisive issue.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “It is likely that we will hire out beach furniture in summer 2022 and a decision on this will be made early in the new year according to Covid-19 risk and the guidance from the government.”

The halt to the much-loved tradition sparked a big response from beachgoers with many claiming deckchairs are ‘part and parcel to the seaside experience’ with others suggesting the council had ‘destroyed the traditional summer holiday’.

READ MORE: No beach deckchair hire this summer due to 'disorder fears'

READ MORE: ‘The council have destroyed the traditional summer holiday’

Former council leader Vikki Slade previously stated that the decision to not have the seafront rental offering would see the local authority miss out on £200,000 this year.

The Liberal Democrat, who represents the Broadstone ward, said: “You can’t have a summer without deckchairs.

“It’s a crazy situation that they got rid of them in the first place and I don’t believe that it was to do with covid because they’re quite happy for us to touch benches, Beryl bikes and everything else.

“I think it was a silly decision and I’m glad that they’ve decided to return to normal.”

Bournemouth and Poole’s beaches were left without deckchairs and sun loungers this summer due to fears of ‘antisocial behaviour and violence’.

However, the decision was taken without consulting Dorset Police to see if they had any crime concerns related to the beach furniture.

Cllr Slade said: “Throughout the summer they had them on the pier so it just makes no sense.

“I’m glad to see them back and hopefully we won’t have issues with covid or antisocial behaviour next summer and then there will be no reason to stop it.”