A scheme to install beach huts or lake cabins along Sheppey's abandoned 'covered way' has gained huge support from Islanders.

Many on social media have welcomed Bernie Watson's idea to restore the wartime 'relic' which was revealed in Kent Online's sister publication the Sheerness Times Guardian.

It has now attracted support from a beach hut owner 160 miles away in Hampshire.

Retired librarian Tim Baber, 64, who goes under the name of Beach Hut Man on Twitter, said: "I can see merit in the idea. New Forest District Council has a parade of concrete huts at Milford-on-Sea. They are far more robust than wooden huts and can withstand break-ins and arson attacks."

The 119 huts which cost £2.36m also act as a sea wall to protect the town from flooding and are strong enough to let people walk along the top. The original wooden huts were destroyed by ferocious winds on Valentine's Day 2014.

But Mr Baber urged caution about splashing money on the derelict concrete walkway which runs between Sheerness and Minster and has now been fenced off. It was built to protect the public from flying bullets from soldiers using the former firing range at Barton's Point.

He admitted: "Sometimes it is best just to bulldoze old concrete. It often needs a massive investment and turns out to be a financial folly especially if the roof is falling in. It all comes down to the cost per cubic metre. It might be best to convert it into garages where motor homes can be safely stored during the winter and brought out in the summer."

Demolition is probably out of the question. Matthew Brown, who chairs Sheerness Town Council, said: "According to Historic England the covered way is protected under the scheduling for the Queenborough Lines. I think demolition may not be an option and any future schemes may require significant creativity to please Historic England."

Using the huts for craft shops or creating a giant community mural charting Sheppey's history have been alternative suggestions.

Facebook comments on Mr Watson's scheme included "What a lovely idea" and "another mural will look dated and an eyesore as soon as it is finished. Beach huts all the way."

*What would you like to see done with the covered way? Leave your suggestions below.

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey