BEACH lovers after peace and tranquillity are being priced out of the market in 'tender-based', beach hut allocation. Demand for Teignmouth beach huts is so high that some have been known to offer up to £1,000 just for a licence for a seasonal beach hut on The Point. But others have said that the system is unfair and means the traditional seaside escape is becoming the privilege of the few who can afford it. Teignbridge Council this year accepted sealed bids for three vacant seasonal huts at The Point. It will not reveal the exact amount of money offered, but it is thought some bids are in the region of £500-£1,000. It is on top of the flat-fee rent of £108. All vacancies are filled this year in line with national trends. Retired Teignmouth couple Gordon and Gillian Elliott have been hankering after a hut for a number of years, but their offer of £100 was too low to compete. They have lived in the resort for 36 years and would love to spend their days at a quaint home from home. Mr Elliott, 72, said: 'It seems that money talks these days. 'It is such a shame because we know we would use it on a daily basis and really get a lot of joy from it. 'We walk along The Point a lot and it is so sad to see some of the huts closed up during the week,' he said. Sean Brogan, spokesman for the Seasonal Beach Hut Users, said that a waiting list system would be fairer. 'The tender is for the licence and that does not even take into consideration the rent, cost of buying a hut and equipping it. 'Most people would be looking at £2,000 for a start. 'Most people cannot afford that amount and it is a shame because it will mean that only people with money will be able to have a beach hut. 'It would be much more democratic to have a waiting list, but of course the council has to make money,' he said. Torbay Council runs a waiting list system for its 6x4 spaces or huts. It charges a set rate of fees. Torbay Council leisure and resort manager Peter Aunger said: 'We have 850 huts in all and they are extremely popular. 'We operate a simple waiting list and if it was any other way I am sure we would run into a lot of opposition,' he said. Teignbridge Council offers beach hut hire at Coryton Cove, Dawlish for daily and weekly charges of £10 and £50 respectively. The council is also considering more beach huts on the main beach in Teignmouth to meet demand.