SIGNS which sparked an outcry when they were installed near a moorland Bronte shrine have been replaced.

Yorkshire Water came under fire from visitors to Top Withens, near Haworth, who claimed the bright blue signs were out of keeping with the world-famous landmark.

Now the company has installed new ones (pictured), on waist-height wooden plinths, featuring softer colours.

The signs, designed with the help of the Bronte Society, carry information about the ruined farmhouse, which was reputedly the inspiration for the setting of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: “We hope people find these new signs useful and interesting.

“We carefully thought about a design more sympathetic to the landscape – and the wooden plinths help achieve this look.

“The historical information in them is also more engaging, but retains the safety message we originally wanted to communicate.”

The Bronte Society said it was pleased to be involved in the project.

A spokesman said: “Although the association of Top Withens with Wuthering Heights is a loose one, the site continues to hold a special significance for Bronte fans across the world.

“We are grateful to Yorkshire Water for providing the opportunity to work in partnership on signage more in keeping with this inspirational landscape.”