The first of 20 new beach huts are being installed in Leysdown.

The wooden huts, near the grass pay and display car park in Shellness Road, are expected to be finished by mid-March.

Swale council said it would rent out some and sell the others and, if they prove popular, more could be added.

There are presently 35 beach huts on the Island, all along The Leas in Minster. Ten are owned by the Minster Beach Hut Association, 19 are privately owned and six are owned and rented out by the council.

Like the Minster huts, those in Leysdown will be 10ft by 10ft. They will also be painted in pastel colours, providing a colourful addition to the resort.

Cllr James Hunt (Con), deputy cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We’re keen to see the success of the huts at Minster Leas replicated in Leysdown.

“Beach huts are not just a convenient facility for the people that use them but are an attractive addition to an area, attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.”

The huts are being placed four metres from the sea wall, near public toilets and a water supply. Including VAT, they will cost £10,000 to buy – plus £375 a year ground rent – or £1,200 per year to rent.

A council spokesman said the waiting list for huts was continually open for additions, but those joining now were unlikely to reach the top in time for the allocation of the 20 new huts.

Cllr Hunt added: “The size of our beach hut waiting list shows how popular the Minster scheme has been.

“Given the high level of demand, consideration is being given to adding more huts.”

The scheme, which had a budget of £60,000, was given the go ahead by the council’s Tory Cabinet in March last year.