The waiting list for one of Folkestone's 115 beach huts - including the 80 new colourful wooden ones - has now been closed due to demand.

Plans for a £500,000 face lift for the coastline between Folkestone and Sandgate emerged last year from Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

The authority's scheme includes tearing down 44 of the existing chalets along Marine Parade, which had all fallen into disrepair.

They were removed over the last few months.

Work is ongoing to make repairs and improvements to 35 huts, including the eight pastel-coloured, tiered chalets.

And now, the 80 new wooden chalets, similar to those in Whitstable, have been installed at the seafront, in a range of different colours.

Constructions continues along the promenade to complete the project, which also includes improving retaining walls and repairing ramps and steps, close to the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

It is hoped the scheme will be finished in time for next summer.

And the council has now revealed that all of the beach huts have already been allocated, with previous tenants being offered first options.

It comes after thousands of people had already signed up for the waiting list, which has now been closed.

A spokesman for the council said: "Those that had fallen into disrepair have been removed - with all of the new beach huts now in place.

"Work to complete the project is ongoing.

"We are very pleased with the feedback received so far. They have already become a favourite on social media feeds and excitement is growing.

"This project will help further regenerate the area and provide new facilities for residents and visitors alike.

"The chalets, which have all currently been allocated, are due to be ready for summer 2021."

Cllr David Monk, leader of the council added: "We’re delighted with the colourful results of this project.

"These new beach huts will not only be appreciated by their leaseholders but will also be a wonderful playful addition to our promenade that everyone can enjoy."

The chalets' landlords - the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds charity, which is made up of members of the council's cabinet - are expecting to see a return of more than £2m over the next 25 years through rental costs.

To read why so many people rent and own one of Kent's many beach huts, click here

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