Brighton and Hove beach huts: Demands for action on vandalism

The historic Hove seafront huts have been targeted by brazen vandals and thieves several times this year.

Hove Beach Hut Association founder Robert Nemeth spoke out after a hut was found with a 5-ft hole on Monday morning.

He said: “I have had concerns for some years now that the council is not taking the issue of beach hut vandalism seriously enough.

READ MORE: Swastikas are spray painted on Hove beach hut

"Whilst the seafront office itself is excellent, the administration just isn’t interested in addressing the state of the seafront.

"Indeed, a vote amongst councillors to tackle graffiti on beach huts was just ignored and remains unimplemented.

"A holistic approach to improve the seafront is required and at its heart must be a drive to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

This year, the huts have been victims of numerous attacks from vandals and thieves.

In January, swastikas were daubed in green and pink paint on one of the historic structures.

Just months later, thieves broke into huts and ransacked alcohol in what was described as "an attack on Hove itself".

Then, in June, vandals defaced the huts and a seafront shelter with offensive and obscure words in orange paint.

Cllr Nemeth is calling for action

In that attack, bricks were scattered across the lawns, apparently from a nearby wall which had been half dismantled.

A petition calling for the council to "Save Hove and Portslade Seafront" has been signed by almost 1,000 people. 

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We share Cllr Nemeth’s concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour on our seafront.

“This is mindless vandalism which is deeply upsetting for the beach hut owners.

“Everyone using our seafront needs to take responsibility for the way they behave.

“Crime in our city is a police matter, but we want to be clear that we strongly condemn these acts, and we will continue to work with Sussex Police to find solutions.

“If anyone witnesses a crime or has been the victim of crime, please report it to Sussex Police.”