THE deadline is looming for tenants of the chalets overlooking Weymouth Beach who say they are being booted out without explanation.

As reported, several families and couples have been informed by the community trust which runs the site that their licence of the huts in Greenhill Gardens will not be renewed and they must leave by the end of March.

Some families have rented the chalets for generations while others like Maureen Smethurst, who is from Weymouth, has only had hers for five years and says she has had no option to renew and questioned the decision making of the Greenhill Trust which runs the site.

Dorset Echo: Maureen Smethurst outside the chalet. Picture: Maureen Smethurst

“Despite all the news coverage we received, the Greenhill Community Trust has never altered its stance,” said Mrs Smethurst, a retired teacher who taught in Weymouth and Portland for 32 years.

“I am currently following up a subject access request with them, still asking for information held in company minutes relating to the decision not to renew our licence."

Mrs Smethurst said its a positive thing that others 'will get to enjoy the use of a chalet' and wishes them well.

She added: “You could say the ending hasn’t actually been a happy one for us personally or for any of those affected by the trust’s decision not to renew some licences.

“If we have managed to raise general awareness and some questions about how the Greenhill Community Trust is being run as a community interest company then that is a positive outcome.”

Dorset Echo: An older picture of The Higgins family at the chalet, picture: Vicky Winslow

Vicky Winslow's family has rented a hut for generations and her parents have been 'heartbroken' by the decision, but have already vacated their chalet and say they will miss the' escapism and mental health support the coast can offer'.

Mrs Winslow added: “The issue that is the greatest concern is the fact that the directors have hidden behind a clause, which applies to ‘every’ chalet licence holder and suggests that they cannot give the real reason.

“They have steadfastly refused to give a categorical answer to the question. In continuing with this strategy of ‘no comment’ the directors are simply adding to suspicion."

Dorset Echo: Greenhill chalets and gardens, taken by Barry Rushforth

The Greenhill Community Trust said 'they had no further comment to make'.

They previously told the Echo: "We can confirm the trust has the autonomy to manage the whole of their demise, including the chalets, but are unable to comment on the circumstances of individual licence holders."