An update from the committee

The committee has been unable to physically meet since lockdown measures have been in place, however members have regularly been keeping in touch.

You may be aware that the Daily Echo has covered a story affecting a beach hut tenant in Sandbanks. She was upset that BCP are unwilling to refund her monthly rental payments despite being unable to use her hut.

Over a hundred comments to that article covered a variety of viewpoints as well as the usual Echo commentators and their on-line arguments.

We have been contacted by a number of PBHA members in similar circumstances and acknowledge their concerns.

The response from BCP is that at the end of the crisis, officers will look at the time period when huts have been inaccessible and consider refunds in due course.

Some tenants pay their rent in full at the beginning of the year so it could be deemed unfair to recompense monthly direct debit payers until the timescale is clear.

In the meantime, those adversely affected must make their decisions depending on their individual circumstances. It would be inappropriate for PBHA to intervene at present.

Spring News 2020

Looking back at our last newsletter issued at the end of January, who could have predicted then how our world would change so dramatically in three short months.

We would normally be celebrating this wonderful spring weather and enjoying our huts after a long, wet winter. However, the outbreak of coronavirus is affecting us all and we must abide by government guidelines during the lockdown however long it lasts. Many hard pressed BCP staff have been diverted to supporting the most vulnerable in our society and we extend a big thank you to all those on the front line fighting this horrific virus.

We are conscious of those whose financial situation has been severely affected and whose ability to continue paying their rent has been impaired. At the appropriate time we will be in discussions with BCP but this may have to be deferred due to the pressures they are currently under.

Keep up-to-date with PBHA news and regular updates on www.poolebeachhuts.co.uk

Bob Lister, Chairman

tel: 07980 928752 or email bob@sunwiser.co.uk

Shore Road improvement project

On a lighter note, it’s very good to see the progress made by contractors working at Shore Road.

How smart it all looks, well done to all involved!

Another big thank you to those in the Seafront Team who have been busy moving the high levels of wind blown sand at the edge of the prom in the Branksome Chine/Branksome Dene areas. Hopefully, this will help prevent the risk of more sand on the prom should we encounter any more high winds.

Reminder Regrettably of course, this year’s summer social evening at the Branksome Dene Community Room has had to be cancelled.

Like everyone else, we are all longing for happier times when we can enjoy our huts. Won’t we appreciate them when we can eventually venture out again!

In the meantime, please stay safe and follow the guidelines.

For more information about the Association visit www.poolebeachhuts.co.uk or contact

Chairman, Bob Lister 07980 928 752 or email bob@sunwiser.co.uk