Urgent action is being taken in Worthing to repair fire damaged beach chalets.

Lengthy insurance negotiations to fix seven chalets in Beach House Grounds, Brighton Road, raised concerns that they would not be ready for the summer season, when they are normally rented out at a higher rate.

Worthing Borough Council officers decided work on the chalets and a kiosk, damaged by fire and smoke in September last year, had to begin soon and a contractor is to start repairs on April 7.

The work, estimated to cost £72,000, is expected to take 12 weeks.

Although the council was covered for fire damage, the insurance claim was delayed because the chalets were under-insured.

A review of the council's main properties has been undertaken to ensure they are all properly covered.

Insurance negotiations have since been completed and the insurers agreed to meet the repair costs.