Blyth beach huts repaired following arson attack
15 Jul 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Blyth’s iconic beach huts have been restored to their former glory following an arson attack earlier in the year.
Three of the colourful beach huts, which take pride of place on the seafront, were badly damaged during a spate of mindless arson incidents around the town back in January - much to the outrage of the local community.
Following a thorough police investigation, two teenagers aged 16 and 19 were arrested by Northumbria Police. The 19 year old boy has now been summonsed to court.
The beach hut repair work has been coordinated by Northumberland County Council. A local building and joinery contractor was quickly appointed to rebuild the huts and while rapid progress was made, the lockdown suspended this work. Now that the restrictions have been eased, they have been able to finish the job.
Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, leisure, art and tourism said:
“The colourful beach huts are an iconic feature and real focal point for the town and our county, and much loved by residents and visitors alike. We are really pleased to see they are now standing pride of place once again on the seafront.
“They are also a symbol of regeneration in the town and there’s real momentum gathering around the future of Blyth. Just last month we agreed to support a near £40 million investment programme prior to a bid to the national Future High Streets Fund this summer.
“ I am sure the local community will also be reassured to know that those responsible for this wanton act of vandalism have been identified and are being dealt with.”
Blyth Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “The Beach Huts at Blyth have great sentimental value to the local residents and it was fantastic to see the way the community came together when they were damaged.
“By working with Northumberland County Council and others in the community the huts have now been repaired and following a robust and thorough investigation a 19-year-old man has been summonsed to court.
“We will continue to monitor the beach huts and are working alongside the local authority and Active Northumberland to prevent this landmark from becoming a target again.”
The beach huts are managed by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that delivers leisure services on behalf of Northumberland County Council. The huts are fully booked for the duration of the summer on long term lets and will not be available for booking until further notice.