A number of beach huts in Weymouth could be relocated closer to the town centre following fears of anti-social behaviour.

A notice under licence has been issued by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to the owner of the beach huts located at Brunswick Terrace, requesting that 25 of the huts should be moved.

In August, the Echo reported that there had been issues relating to anti-social behaviour around the Brunswick Terrace area after rowdy youths were seen hanging around the beach huts leaving traders feeling unsafe.

Jonah Jones, the owner of the beach huts, said moving the huts closer to the town centre won’t tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour.

He said: “The council’s position is based on the anti-social behaviour issues; the trouble is it is unfairly blamed on the beach huts.

“We have problems with anti-social behaviour in the town and it is the same in other towns. it is not particular to Weymouth.

“The local families who use the chalets are being victimised for something they haven’t done.

“They won’t be tackling anti-social behaviour, they’ll be moving it along.”

Mr Jones explained that generations of families in Weymouth have used the beach huts and will be devastated to see them go.

In a letter sent to Mr Jones, his customers, the Restorick and Kinsey families, explained they were appalled to hear about the request to move some of the beach huts.

They said: “In our opinion we feel this is a huge error by the council to even consider and suggest that these chalets should be moved.

“We feel upmost grievance and insult that as the result of the alleged ‘anti-social’ behaviour of certain members of the local society, us law abiding members of the community, are being penalised from something we love and pay to enjoy.”

Cllr Richard Kosior, spokesman for tourism, culture and the harbour, said: “I have been inundated with messages from people who use the chalets. It is an issue between Mr Jones and property services."

Mr Jones is in discussions with council officers, but no decision on where the beach huts will be moved has been made.

A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: “We have concerns relating to recent, serious public order offences and the impact on community safety at this location.

“A new location would require the necessary planning consents. We appreciate that some members of the public would want to make comments during the planning process, and this would be the time to do so.”