UPSET residents are asking the council to “reconsider” running the summer beach polo event at Sandbanks.

Poole Beach Huts Association has presented a petition of over 100 names to Borough of Poole, calling on the council to justify its decision to allow the popular Blue Flag beach to be used for two days of beach polo in July.

Each night after the sandpolo there is a beach party and the event attracts thousands of people. It takes up to 10 days to prepare the site and organiser paid a £4,200 licence fee this year.

“This event causes major disruption on Poole’s premier beach and results in the beach being out of use for both residents who pay large council taxes, numerous visitors who go away disappointed and beach hut lessees who cannot use their paid-for amenities,” said association committee member Mr Lyn Thomas.

The petition said the event cost Poole council, and therefore local residents, a large sum of money.

Cllr Judy Butt, cabinet portfolio holder for public engagement and participation said: “All clean up costs are met by the event organiser and we know that this event remains popular among the community.”

The petition is due to be considered by the council’s efficiency and effectiveness scrutiny committee on September 19.

Patricia Pitkin of Broadstone said: “My beach hut is directly affected and I cannot use it during the event or when the arena seats are being erected and dismantled.”

Michael James of Poole: “It is hugely disruptive and of no interest to normal beach users and hut tenants at a peak period in the summer and, more importantly, totally self-indulgent.”

Philip Segelman of Poole: “Beaches are for sunbathing, swimming and relaxation, not for entertaining a minority sport.”

Johnny Wheeler, organiser of the Asahi British Beach Polo Championships, which have been taking place on the beach for five years, said after the event that it had gone really well.

“We had thousands of people come along to watch the beach polo and also lots of boats moor up in the harbour,” he said.