Beach hut owners in Frinton have been left with a trail of damage and destruction after arsonists struck overnight.

Three huts in the High Wall area below Connaught Avenue were totally destroyed by fire and another was badly damaged in the blaze.

Two others nearby were vandalised in the raid and their doors were kicked in.

Tendring District Council (TDC) staff have been busy contacting the owners to let them know of the incident and have also made the area safe.

It was the first significant attack on beach huts in Tendring since the beginning of the year.

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said he was devastated for the owners who would be left to pick up the pieces and try to get their huts rebuilt in time for this summer.

" Not only is setting fire to beach huts extremely dangerous and poses a risk to those firefighters who have to tackle the blaze, but it is soul destroying for the owners," he said.

"The huts are often their pride and joy and somewhere they can go and relax in the summer - the last thing they need is to have to deal with this wanton destruction and vandalism."

Cllr Oxley said that he hoped that the Police would be able to catch those responsible and the Council would fully support any prosecution.

Staff from the Council's Technical and Procurement Services were on site this morning fencing off the affected area and ensuring it was safe.

The Council's Leisure Services have the job of contacting the owners - some of whom do not live locally - to tell them what has happened.

TDC owns the sites on which the huts are placed and the owners provide their own hut and pay an annual licence fee to the Council.

There are more than 3,000 Beach Huts across the Tendring District.

15/4/09

Related Links: Beach Hut Information Page