The stark appearance of a flight of steel steps at a Harden beauty spot has led to protests from some walkers.

The steps have been put in place near Goit Stock waterfall by Bradford Council after it received complaints the footpath was too dangerous. It insists the steps will “mellow” with age, but it now faces calls to swap them for stone or wooden ones.

Although privately-owned, a public right of way passes through the site, making it the responsibility of the Council which said it had acted after walkers were injured while trying to climb up to the waterfall.

But Chris Thompson, who lives nearby, was so disgusted with the look of the steps that he has set up a Facebook page – Goit Stock Waterfall removal of ladder, which has almost 160 “likes”.

He said the Council could have done a better job.

The joiner, who works for an outdoor furniture company, said: “I just think they should replace it with something more in keeping and sympathetic. I know there are a lot of other non-slip products they could have used, things that are used in places like the Dales. Galvanised steel steps here at a beauty spot is just ridiculous.

“I know it might be dangerous, but you can’t take the danger out of everything.”

One person to comment on the Facebook page is Mary Webb, who said: “It’s awful and not at all sympathetic to the natural environment. It’s my favourite place and it feels spoiled.”

Gemma Ashley, said: “I found the ladder aided my walk and makes the site more accessible for the less able. Ladder to stay!”

Kath Windett, senior rights of way officer at the Council, said: “The need for improvements to this path was identified during consultations for Bradford's Rights of Way Improvement Plan. There have been a number of accidents at this location due to the difficult terrain and many people chose to turn back on this path rather than proceeding up the side of the waterfall.

“The design of the steps and the construction material were chosen to make the route as safe and accessible as possible. Timber steps would not have been as secure in the conditions.

“The materials are in keeping with the existing handrail and barrier construction further up the slope which have been in place for more than 30 years.”

Councillor Simon Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural), whose ward includes Harden, said: “We were right to try to improve access there because there has been more than one injury and we don’t want that in a popular place.

“But I have to admit I wouldn’t have done it that way, it looks like something you’d see next to some scaffolding. I am going to try to see what I can do.”