LYME REGIS: Monmouth beach hut owners have urged the town council to take action after claims damage from the severe winter storms is obstructing the view from their huts.

The request, at an estimated cost of £1,000, came after harsh weather at the start of the year wreaked havoc on the beach, causing trees to be uprooted as well as damage to the beach huts themselves.

At a council town management meeting on September 3, hut owners claimed the level of the beach pebbles and shingle shifted by the storms now blocked their views of the iconic Cobb and the sea.

Town councillors were asked to consider levelling the beach in front of the day huts and heard the views of three hut owners and long-term Lyme residents during the public forum.

Hedgehog Corner guest accommodation owner Joy Raymond, Gilly Warr from the Lyme Regis Town Band and local fisherman Bruce Wason urged the town council to take action.

Joy Raymond, who is also assistant secretary of the Chalet and Beach Hut Association, told The News that the large level of beach pebbles and shingle have created a ridge in front of the huts.

She added: “The pebble ridge covers many chain ropes for nearby parking areas and is a dangerous trip hazard.

“It is also now affecting our views; not only for the day hut owners but for holidaymakers and residents who visit the beach all year round.”

A report from town council operations manager Elliott Herbert told councillors that the beach area is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under section 28 of the Wildlife and Coun-tryside Act 1981.

Mr Herbert added that to carry out the levelling of the beach, permission would need to be obtained from Natural England.

The report stated: “As the town council has never undertaken these works in the past, it has not been factored into the 2014/2015 budget. To fund this exercise would therefore have an impact on the forecast surplus which may have repercussions on other projects.”

Despite this, councillors agreed to instruct officers to seek the relevant permission required to carry out the works on Monmouth beach.

It was also agreed to add the beach works into the budget for the next financial year of 2015/2016 and to make the works a routine budget item.

Joy added: “The town council were very receptive, they listened to us and it was a very successful meeting.

“Councillor Cheryl Reynolds was brilliant and agreed to take our case to the council; for that we are extremely grateful.

“Councillors said work is expected to be carried out in the spring of 2015 in case of any more severe weather, and we are delighted.”

Any recommendations from the council committee will be considered by full council on Wednesday, October 8.