SOUTHBOURNE beach hut owners are being urged to consider withholding rent if the council refuses to clear the shingle from the beach.

Hut owner John Taylor is threatening to start an action group and persuade other owners to withhold rent payments if the beach is not improved.

The retired pharmacist from Admiralty Road said that he has seen several people cut their feet on the sharp stones and is also concerned the beach replenishment programme has created a dangerous dip about three metres from the shoreline.

"My wife actually twisted her knee trying to get up out of the water," he said. "I would like to think I am complaining responsibly; the council needs to sort this out before they start receiving claims for compensation."

Another beach hut owner, Margaret Cole, said she also had concerns about the dip and had seen children quickly get out of their depth.

She said: "This used to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Bournemouth but now it is just dangerous. I am frightened to death that we are going to lose a child unless this dip is sorted out."

Mr Taylor said he will look to form a beach hut association if the council doesn't solve the problem during the winter.

"I think there will be support amongst the beach hut owners. Many have children and have to wear shoes to struggle down to the water"

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, cabinet member for tourism, said they could not change the composition of the beach as it had been determined by DEFRA.

But she added: "Bournemouth Borough Council obviously wants our most valuable asset to be at a high standard for locals and visitors alike and operates an effective beach maintenance programme.

"At the start of the season as a new administration we committed a further £150,000 immediately to improve the beaches for public use.

"Throughout the summer months when the beaches were being used by large numbers of people, the stones in question were removed on a regular basis.

"They do, however, keep rising to the top as they would and removal will commence again at the start of the next season."

Chris Saunders, of the council's leisure services department, said: "Anyone who has an issue or concern regarding the rental of their beach hut should contact the leisure services team who will respond accordingly. If there is issue over missed rent payments we will liase with those concerned through our normal council procedures."