CONSERVATIONISTS and councillors have declared war on new pontoon piling for yachts which they say have ruined views of Whitby's picturesque harbour.

The scheme - funded by the RNLI and backed by Scarborough Borough Council and Whitby Yacht Club - will be used to moor the lifeboat as well as yachts, says Rob Warrington of the RNLI.

But leading Whitby artist John Freeman, who has a studio overlooking the harbour, said: "The piling is absolutely horrendous. It is as bad as anything could be for the harbour and has produced a big eyesore for artists and photographers."

Councillor Dorothy Clegg, one of the leading opponents, said: "This has been done without a scrap of consideration, whatsoever. I have cherished the views of the harbour for years. But now they have been ruined."

The piles, which are several metres high have been likened to "a mini-Teesport" by local residents.

But Mr Warrington said the RNLI had gone through the correct procedures.

"It is a joint effort between the RNLI, the borough council's harbour authority and the yacht club. We needed to get the piling done before the start of the sailing season," he said.