COUNCIL chiefs have been reported to the Local Government Ombudsman after replacing a set of steps on the Hampshire coastline.

Campaigners claim the new steps at Hordle Cliffs are dangerous and intimidating – and say could prevent some people from using their beach huts.

David Steer said the old steps had wide treads and boasted a relatively shallow angle of descent down the cliffs.

He added: “If users had been given a genuine opportunity to voice their opinion there would have been massive local support to keep them.

“The new steps are steeper and have narrower treads.

“As you stand at the top and look down you can easily see why some elderly folk and young families find them intimidating.”

Fellow campaigner Jill Thompson added: “The new steps are not suitable for young children, elderly people and those with certain disabilities.

“We spent many hours trying to argue our case but New Forest District Council wouldn’t listen.”

However the Tory-controlled authority hit back, claiming the new steps are actually safer.

A spokesman said: “When old steps are costing too much to maintain it makes sense to replace them with new, more modern ones.

“Last spring the council notified the parish council, ward councillors and the New Forest Beach Hut Owners’ Association of the proposed works. No enquiries were received at that time.”