MP for Blyth Ronnie Campbell, has written to the management of the iconic Beach Huts on Blyth Links seeking a fairer way of allocating these to allow a wider spread of use.
Mr Campbell said: "When the beach huts were first brought into use one of the best things about them was the accessibility for everyone in the area to enjoy a day at the beach with somewhere to enjoy a cup of tea and shelter from what can be windy days and even the rain.
"By allowing some of the huts to be rented in this way meant that people did not have to find hundreds of pounds but could afford to rent them as and when they needed them.
"I think the fact that the only people who can now rent the huts have to have hundreds of pounds to fork out means many people are being stopped from enjoying this brilliant facility.
"Having been down the links over the recent sunny weather it is obvious that the whole project was a brilliant idea but is being let down because the huts are being priced out of the reach of ordinary folk.
"I hope the council can look into this and make some of the huts available for weekly rental again."
Chief executive of Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure Bruce Ledger said: "We have let most of the huts on an annual basis this year, however this has only increased by one hut from the previous year.
"This decision was taken in order to maximise the income generated over the whole year whilst reducing the financial costs and officer time associated with the management of the hut hire.
"Of the huts available 17 have been let mostly to local residents and one for the disabled forum, this has left two for short-term lets.
"These two are booked up for most of June, July and all of August but we have very few bookings for the rest of the year.
"The demand for seasonal lets was low last year from October through to March, huts remained empty and did not generate any income.
"We feel that the opportunity is there for all the community to make use of these excellent facilities but unfortunately demand exceeds supply during the peak summer school holiday season."
Huts can be rented by calling Blyth Sports Centre reception on (01670) 542222.
____________________________________________________________________
Click here to go back to News Post Leader Latest News