Northumberland Labour is backing a petition to reverse Active Northumberland’s removal of daily rentals at Blyth Beach Huts.

Labour leader Scott Dickinson said: “We’ve written to Councillor Jeff Watson to raise concerns about this. Before the pandemic six of the huts were available for daily rental meaning local people could rent them birthday parties, day trips and so on.

“We’ve been told Active Northumberland removed this facility at the start of the pandemic and has no intention of reversing it. We’re also told Northumberland County does not ‘micromanage aspects of Active Northumberland’s activities’ such as opening hours and prices.

“In essence this means a local, iconic and much treasured facility has been put out of reach of the people of Blyth for their occasional enjoyment and use.

“This is not about the council micromanaging Active Northumberland; this is about local people being able to make occasional use a facility which is important to them.

Over 800 people have now signed the petition which can be found under Bring Back Blyth Beach Huts Daily Rental at Petition · Bring Back Blyth Beach Huts Daily Rental · Change.org

One person who signed the petition said: “We need to keep the daily rental of these beach huts affordable for all.”

Another said: “Northumberland is bring gentrified and local people (your electorate) are being pushed out.”

Labour County Councillors for Blyth Anna Watson, Eileen Cartie, Kath Nisbet and Margaret Richardson added: “Covid restrictions are now being lifted so it would seem entirely reasonable to make the six Beach Huts available for short term lease again.

“We will continue to lobby the council and Active Northumberland to reverse this decision.”