PROMINENT safety signs erected next to one of Brontë Country's most scenic locations have been heavily criticised.

The three brightly-coloured signs were put up by Yorkshire Water at the Top Withens ruins, which suffer from exposure to the elements and vandalism.

But Worth Valley ward councillor Glen Miller (Con) said the signs, which feature the company's logo, were out of keeping.

"I think it just goes to show that big companies cannot think outside the box, and have no realisation of the area where they are involved," he added.

The signs tell people not to climb on the ruins, not to remove stone from the property and to supervise children.

Councillor Russell Brown (Worth Valley, Con) said there was clear damage to the ruined farmhouse caused by visitors.

"Vandalism would be a fair description, with stone being pulled out of walls, top stones overturned and broken and evidence of stonework being damaged by having other stones thrown at them.

"Clearly, the building is deteriorating due to the harsh climate, but this wanton damage being inflicted on it is reducing the time when the building will need some renovation or be closed to the public due to stability issues.

"I personally don’t like the signs, but if they help reduce damage caused or prevent visitors being hurt by collapsing stones, then they should stay."

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council chairman Councillor John Huxley added: "This is unfortunate in an area of outstanding natural beauty, as signs like these stick out like a sore thumb.

"I understand there is probably a reason for them, but it's hard to find the right balance. For the signs to work people have to notice them, and that won't happen if they blend too well into the background."

A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: "This is a really popular spot, which we get a lot of visitors to from around the world due to its links with the Brontë sisters.

"We've recently put these small signs up to warn adults and children not to sit or play on the ruins of the farmhouse as the structure is not safe and we don't want people to accidentally hurt themselves.

"We fully recognise the building is an iconic symbol of the past and are committed to preserving it.

"We were careful to ensure the signs were situated far enough away from the building to not interfere with photographs but close enough to ensure they are clearly visible, as they are there for people's safety."

A spokesman for the Brontë Society declined to comment.

Top Withens has been unoccupied since 1926. It is popular with literary tourists due to some people associating it with Wuthering Heights, the Earnshaw home in Emily Brontë's novel.