THE HEALTH and safety “police” have been accused of taking a step too far in Montrose and vandalising one its most attractive townscape features.

Fluorescent yellow strips have been painted on the leading edges of the Kirkie Steps and the Montrose Society, which keeps a watchful eye on the town’s heritage, has described it as “utterly over the top.”

The steps lead from the Churchyard Walk which links the town centre with the Mid Links and is listed by Historic Scotland.

“The strips are highly visible, aesthetically hideous and over the top as a safety measure,” said a society spokesman.

“There is surely a more discreet way of highlighting the edges, if really required at all.”

The steps were renewed as part of the Mid Links regeneration scheme several years ago with the designers paying particular attention to ensure they were broad and shallow.

The society has written to Angus Council suggesting it “beggars belief” someone thought such an insensitive response was either appropriate or necessary.

“The steps have been there for 150 years without the need to have the edges highlighted,” said the spokesman.

“Is it an accident blackspot? What criteria were used to justify doing this.

“Our inquiries with the roads department have, so far, failed to establish who took the decision to paint the steps.”

One resident asked, “Where will it all end—yellow strips along all pavement kerbs, along the steps that run the western length of the High Street?

“The Kirkie Steps is ‘Montrose’ to many people and the artists who paint it. The view is already blighted by a security camera pole.”

An Angus Council spokesperson said, “Fluorescent strips have been painted onto the risers of the first few steps at the Kirkie steps as part of health and safety measures designed to assist the visually impaired.

“Similar safety measures are being introduced at other council properties.”