CONTROVERSIAL BEACH huts are proving popular says Maldon District Council.

The eight new huts in Promenade Park were unveiled last month.

Following the unveiling of the huts, some members ofthe public suggested too much had been spent on them -and they were miles from the beach.

The huts cost £47,000 and the council is hoping the rental fees will cover the initial cost of building them.

So far, Maldon Tourist Information Centre has taken £5,710 worth of bookings. Of those, 19 were peak-time bookings at £40 each, totalling £760.

A council spokesman said: “We have had some really good feedback."