A COUNCIL has defended its decision to install a £3,000 gate around an old pilot hut after a number of residents complained about its installation. 

Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) installed the gates and handrails outside the hut on Burnham-on-Sea Esplanade last week after receiving a number of complaints of slippery steps and falls. 

Since their installation, a number of residents have moaned about the gates on social media saying they think the new safety measure is 'a waste of money.' 

Burnham-on-Sea resident, Beverley Milner Simonds said she thinks the new gates are 'ludicrous'. 

“I find it insulting that when we have families going hungry, libraries closing, bus routes being scrapped and public sector public frozen harder than an Artic winter the council can find £3,000 for some frankly ludicrous gates.

"I’ve never heard a report of anyone falling up or down the steps - but now their nearest option is to scramble up the grassy bank I think we have some accidents.” 

But a spokesman for SDC has defended the gates saying they will increase safety on the Esplanade.

"The council received complaints about the steps being slippery and reports of falls," the spokesman said. 

"Our health and safety officer investigated and we concluded that the most effective solution to reduce risk was to fix handrails to the steps and gate off the area around the Pilot Hut to prevent unauthorised access.

"This also provides increased security for our building."