For more than 100 years, visitors to Bournemouth have been able to hire the 3,500 council-owned chairs. But this summer they have been notably absent from the popular Dorset resort's seafront.

       The local authority told council member Vikki Slade that it was in case they were used to attack staff.

       She said: "Even if that were the case, you don't just get rid of the chairs - you increase security or have police patrolling the beach.

       "When I asked about the financial impact, they said they had adjusted the budget by ￡200,000."

       A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "The wellbeing and safety of our staff, residents and visitors was a priority in this decision."