BEACHGOERS enjoyed snacks on the beach 100 years ago but why can’t they buy them on Weymouth’s golden sands today?

That’s the question posed by former councillor and honorary alderman Andy Hutchings, who owns a beach hut at Greenhill.

Mr Hutchings has called for an enquiry into why beachgoers have been unable to buy ice cream and refreshments on Weymouth Beach as the summer season kicks off.

The traditional red, white and blue striped beach kiosks have been replaced with new structures and beach traders are waiting to take delivery of new permanent kiosks – leaving holidaymakers without refreshment provision on the beach.

Mr Hutchings said: “If the 1910 Weymouth Corporation could get it right, why, in 2011 could Weymouth and Portland Borough Council not get it right?

“I have written a book on postcards and I have these postcards that show people by the Jubilee Clock buying food on the beach.

“I’m just concerned that holidaymakers will not be able to buy refreshments on the beach.”

Mr Hutchings says he spends a lot of time at his beach hut, which is based by the Sluice Gardens.

He said: “Even the kiosk at the Sluice Gardens has not been re-let yet.

“People have been asking me why you can’t buy an ice cream.

“It’s a very popular area and local residents and holidaymakers can’t buy any refreshments.

“All holidaymakers return and if they see the traditional seaside kiosk is not there they may not come back.”

The Echo reported last month on legal action threatened by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council against beach trader Tony Deadman after he put up a temporary kiosk bec-ause work on his new permanent kiosk was delayed. He was told he would be sued if he tried to trade from the premises, which he had received planning permission for.

Mr Deadman, who has traded for 25 years on the beach, said it felt like the council has ripped out his heart.

A book of comments have been compiled by kiosk owner Pete Townsend from holidaymakers who are concerned about the lack of refreshments for sale on the beach.

One of the comments said: “We love the kiosk and the wonderful service it offers.

“We look forward to a chat, tea, coffee, cheesy chips and ice creams.

“This is part of the experience of Weymouth and part of its heritage.”

Long-term borough resident Mr Hutchings said he is concerned about Weymouth’s image.

He added: “As a 64-year-old resident of this borough, I feel very concerned that the holiday image of Weymouth Beach will be destroyed by this council’s actions.

“I think councillors should get a grip on what is happening and enquiries should be held to find out who’s at fault for this mess.

Councillor Peter Chapman, the council’s spokesman for finance and assets, said licence agreements have now been issued and the kiosks will soon be up and running again.

He added: “Supporting Weymouth and Portland’s local economy is a top priority for the borough council.

“Licence agreements for the Weymouth beach kiosks have all been issued, allowing trading to begin for the summer season.”