£42k council beach huts miles from sea 'will boost economy'

Beach huts built by a council miles away from the nearest beach will help boost the economy, the local authority has said.

Maldon District Council in Essex spent £42,000 on eight huts to provide a base for families visiting Promenade Park.

"Unfortunately we don't have a beach because we don't have the sand," said council deputy leader Mark Durham.

He said there was a business case for the huts, which were the "first step into increased investment" into the park.

The huts overlook a variety of children's play equipment and will be rented out by the day.