Swale council is pressing ahead with an extension to its popular beach hut scheme.

The local authority has put out a tender for a contract to build more of the colourful coastal features along Minster Leas.

There are currently 390 people on the waiting list for one.

The existing 20 wooden structures will be retained while a further 15 will be installed further along in the direction of the cliffs.

The contract will begin on December 1 and is scheduled to be completed by April 1.

Specifications for their size and style of the huts is the same as the existing ones, measuring 10ft by 10ft with a veranda and a felt roof and they do not require planning permission.

A consultation over the plan was extended until September. There were 19 responses received in favour of the idea with many remarking how the huts had brightened up the area.

There were two objections with concerns raised about the lack of parking and another who said they had ruined the natural shoreline.

A number of people also brought up the lack of nearby toilets.

At a meeting on September 10, the cabinet resolved to launch a separate project to review public facilities in Minster.

A council spokesman said it is likely to sell some of the new huts while renting out others.

Minster Parish Council suggested Swale retain ownership to prevent them from being sold on, that the hours of use be restricted and that a structure be put in place for limiting the numbers of future huts.

The original 20 were part of two-year pilot led by Minster Beach Hut Association.

The council currently rents out 10 of them at a rate of £650 per year.