WAITING has proved no problem for one Lyme Regis resident who is already camped outside the Town Council offices aiming to secure an annual beach hut lease.

A residents only booking day to secure reservation dates for the Cart Road day huts will be held this Saturday, giving special consideration to those who live in the town full-time.

But one 57-year-old Lyme resident, who did not wish to be named, has been camped in a deckchair outside the town council offices since 4pm yesterday afternoon, Thursday October 2.

She and her husband have been taking it in shifts outside the offices and she has been keeping entertained by reading her Kindle.

The booking process was introduced by Lyme Regis Town Council last year to great success, when 18 bookings were made, with some residents even camping out overnight to secure their preferred dates.

Following positive feedback from residents, a priority booking day will be held again on October 4, when the council office will be open from 9am to midday.

As last year, 13 huts will be set aside for residents only – three annual lets, three summer season packages, and seven winter lets.

The Lyme Regis resident told The News: “I am waiting for the booking day so I have the best possible chance of getting an annual beach hut let.

“Last year I missed out on an annual let by just one place in the queue when I lined up Thursday evening after going to watch a theatre performance.

“I have lived in Lyme since 2002 and the beach huts really are a home from home. There is a real community feel down there and the beach huts are perfect for the year – I absolutely love having one.

“There’s nothing better than opening a bottle of fizz in the hut on Christmas morning or letting off fireworks on the beach on New Year’s Eve.

“Since I have been camped out here everyone wants to stop and have a chat, it’s just lovely.

“Even a local policeman and the town council staff have been chatting to me. I can’t wait until Saturday when I can hopefully secure an annual beach hut let.”

Residents who are not successful in booking their chosen dates on Saturday will have another chance when the main telephone booking line is open on Tuesday, October 14.

Cllr Chris Clipson, chairman of the Town Management Committee said: “The council is pleased to be able to offer a residents’ priority booking day again this year for our much sought-after seafront beach huts.

“The system worked well last year.

“The atmosphere among those waiting in the queue was upbeat and everyone left with a booking.

“The comments we have received have been very positive and have led us to repeat the priority day for 2015 beach hut bookings. Although this town relies heavily on its tourist trade, the council is keen to look after its residents who support the town all year round.

“Therefore, we hope our residents will take full advantage of early booking on Saturday morning.”

During the main beach hut booking day calls can be made on the dedicated line to 01297 443773, from 10am to 1pm, and from 2pm to 4pm.

Only one hut can be booked per person.