THINGS may be looking up for the Barry Island Beach Huts, as figures this week revealed that all 12 huts allocated for yearly rentals were snapped up in just one day.

The huts and their management have been a source of contention in recent months after poor booking figures led the Vale council to controversially consider off-loading them to private operators, less than 18 months after they were opened in December 2014.

But the proposal was thrown out by the council's cabinet in March, with plans made to upgrade the way people can book the huts online.

Twelve of the 24 huts - six large and six small - were made available for annual bookings on Monday (May 16), with all of them were snapped up in what the Vale council has described as a "surge of interest".

Councillor Lis Burnett, the cabinet member for regeneration and education said: “The amount of interest we have received in renting beach huts has been overwhelming.

"It is pleasing to see that they are going to be well used, providing enjoyment and fun for many.”

There are still opportunities for anyone wishing to book any of the remaining huts on a daily basis.

This can be done by contacting the council’s C1V contact centre on 01446 700111, or by going online and visiting www.visitthevale.com/barrybeachhuts.

Beach huts can also be booked in person, but, to avoid disappointment, it is recommended to book in advance, either online or by phone.

Daily use costs for a small hut are £10 for peak times and £5 for off peak, while large huts are £20 during peak periods and £10 during off peak.