'High-profile criticism' is one of the reasons given for why West Norfolk Council wants to auction the land at Heacham North Beach, near Hunstanton.

A report to West Norfolk councillors, who will decide whether the deal goes ahead, says the owners are partly to blame for complaining about rent increases in the media.

Beach hut owners pictured at the Heacham North Beach site(Image: Christina Brown)

"In May, a number of the beach hut tenants were quoted in local and national press and television criticising the council for both the level of rents and also its poor maintenance of the site grounds," it says.

"To retain the site will expose the council to further high-profile criticism and provide a poor and underperforming financial return when property management resources are under pressure."

The report adds that while the 105 huts on the narrow strip of land beside the beach brought in £61,000 last year, the council also shouldered costs, including rent arrears, water rates and........

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