In a dramatic effort to preserve their cherished beach huts, a group of owners in Hampshire have come together to save their cabins, which are now at risk of being washed out to sea.

The 16 beach huts, valued at a total of £640,000, have been battered by violent seas after a storm breached the sea wall in The Solent.

Many owners fear that one more storm could lead to the complete destruction of their seaside retreat.

Huts on the Brink of Collapse After Storm Herminia

The powerful waves of Storm Herminia wreaked havoc on the row of beach huts in the village of Hordle, Milford-on-Sea.

The ferocious seas washed away two cabins, and several others are left in a precarious state.

The damage has led to a large-scale salvage operation spearheaded by naval architect James Cox.

According to Cox, who bought his own beach hut for just £300 in 1999, the group has been working tirelessly every year to secure and maintain their huts against the elements.

Locals Claim Council Has Abandoned Beach Huts to the Elements

The owners are angry, claiming that the New Forest District Council has abandoned the area, leaving the stretch of coastline vulnerable to erosion.

The fragile bank that supported the huts washed away after last winter’s storms, and since then, the council has implemented a “do nothing” policy regarding coastal erosion.

Many locals feel the council is not taking any meaningful action to preserve the huts.

Homeowners Take Action Amid Lack of Council Support

Mr. Cox, frustrated by the council’s inaction, has taken matters into his own hands, patching up the huts, straightening them, and securing them to the ground every year.

He has low expectations that the council will take swift action.

Instead, he has proposed that the council inspect the huts to ensure they are properly secured and supported.

Beach Hut Losses Highlight the Impact of Climate Change

Jeannie Medd, one of the beach hut owners affected by the storm, shared her heartbreaking story of losing her family’s hut.

The structure, which had been rebuilt after a devastating storm in 2014, was no match for the power of the waves this time.

Her family had spent around £5,000 to rebuild the hut, which had been in her family for 50 years.

But after this storm, she believes this could be the end, and climate change is to blame for the constant erosion.

New Forest District Council Responds to Criticism

In response to the criticisms from beach hut owners, a spokesperson from the New Forest District Council stated that they have no legal obligation to protect the beach huts.

The council emphasized that anyone considering buying or owning a hut near the coast should be aware of the risks and conduct proper research before making an investment.

They explained that natural coastal processes, high rainfall levels, and storms have contributed to increased erosion in the area, which has already resulted in the loss of some huts.

Rising Sea Levels and Increasing Erosion Pose Greater Risks

The council also acknowledged that over the past decade, erosion and storms have caused damage, and there is an increasing risk to beach huts in the area.

As part of their Shoreline Management Policy, the area is set for “managed realignment,” meaning it is expected that changes to the coastline will continue, and this section will remain undefended.

Unfortunately, this policy means that the risk of losing more huts is likely to increase over time.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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