THE blight of stone theft returned to Haworth with a vengeance when thieves ripped up and stole flagstones from the same path which was targeted in 2016.

PARISH and district councillors said they were "appalled" by the latest damage inflicted on the path which runs between Haworth Parish Church's cemetery and the top of Weaver's Hill Car Park.

The path is also a popular route used by locals and visitors to access Penistone Hill, the Bronte Waterfalls and Top Withens.

Councillor Gary Swallow, the then chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council, said he first noticed the results of the most recent crime when he was walking his dog last Tuesday afternoon. (May 29)

He said at least seven Yorkshire stone flagstones were removed from one spot overnight between last Monday and last Tuesday, though added fellow parish councillor Alan Watts reported seven more flagstones had been taken from a different section of the same footpath.

Cllr Swallow, who has informed police of the incident, said: "It's appalling. This is a lovely path for visitors to use when they're walking into Haworth from the car park, but now it's been damaged again.

"It's a tragedy for the area, because the Yorkshire stone that's been stolen won't be replaced. It's too vulnerable to this kind of crime.

"When this happened before the gaps were instead filled with road planings."

He warned the uneven surface left behind by the theft has created a trip hazard for pedestrians.

He urged people who see anything suspicious related to potential stealing of stone to report this to police or to Bradford Council.

Worth Valley Ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen said the removal of the stone from the path must have been planned in advance, adding the thieves would have needed to shift the heavy flagstones a considerable distance to a vehicle.

"It's shocking that they would steal things that have been there for so many years, and which made access to the village easier for people," she said.

"They've left behind a mess, which will get muddy the next time it rains, and will make it harder for people to use the path.

"There's no CCTV up there, so they must be going after soft targets which are difficult to keep an eye on.

"Someone has to pick up the cost of replacing the stone with a different material, and it will be local people through their council tax. They shouldn't have to do that."

Cllr Watts, who photographed the damage to the path, said: "There have been 14 flagstones in total taken this time, as well as one which was ripped out then left behind. There'll be no stone left at this rate.

"It's ridiculous, and it looks a right mess."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Officers are appealing for information regarding the reported theft of Yorkshire stone flags from Haworth.

"They were contacted last Tuesday by a caller reporting that 14 Yorkshire stone flags had been removed from a footpath on Weaver's Hill.

"It's believed the stones were taken between 6pm on Monday May 28 and 10am on May 29.

"Anyone who saw men removing stones at the location between these times or who is offered a quantity of stone for sale locally in suspicious circumstances is asked to contact Bradford District Police on 101, referencing crime number 131802 60650.

"Information can also be given anonymously to independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."