THE THEFT of a section of Yorkshire stone from a public footpath in Otley could cause serious injury, a town councillor has claimed.

The stone slabs have been removed from Church Lane, off Kirkgate, during the last few weeks - leaving an uneven surface with dangerous 'trip' points.

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem) said the state of the path was a serious concern.

"Most users of the path are elderly," he said. "A fall could result in a fractured femur - the thigh bone - which even in 2003 can result in severe prolonged pain, even death.

"Stealing slabs not only robs the community of a valuable asset - it can kill."

The path is used by an estimated 200 pedestrians a day, and is a popular route at night. Many of the stone paving slabs are 200 years old and too expensive for Leeds City Council to replace.

Coun Kirkland said: "Why should people get away with stealing such large objects?

"Local residents' eyes are the best detectors."

He added: "Do not personally challenge the villains, call the police - they can deal much more effectively with stone slab thieves."

Coun Kirkland is also concerned that a platform made of wooden palettes attached to the branches of a tree overhanging Church Lane could present a further hazard to passers-by.

He said: "Sycamore branches are not known for their strength.

"The platform is about six feet above the footpath, waving in the breeze, giving every impression that it could cause the branches to snap.

"The resulting fall could severely injure or even kill an adult and would certainly kill a child."

But City Councillor Gerry Harper, executive board member with the responsibility for highways, had some better news for the town - promising to replace the removed stone as soon as possible.

He said: "There is a continuing problem of York stone flags being stolen from pavements in various parts of the city, particularly in the north.

"We believe they are frequently stolen 'on demand' to make garden patios and suchlike.

"In this case we are taking immediate action to make the pavement safe by putting down a temporary tarmac covering, however as this is a Conservation area we will replace the York stone as soon as we are able to obtain some of this rare material.

"We would ask members of the public to be alert, and inform police if they suspect they have been witness to the theft of York stone flags.

"Equally, if anyone is offered worn York stone flags, they should be suspicious."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police, meanwhile, said the theft of Yorkshire stone had been an issue in Otley and further afield for years.

He said: "We would appeal to members of the community to remain vigilant and contact the police immediately if they see anything suspicious.

"Thieves may give the impression that they are legitimate workmen, but we would ask people to contact us if they see anyone removing stone walls, tiles or flags so we can check if they are genuine.

"Vehicles are usually used to remove the stone and people can help us by noting down the registration number of any vehicles they see involved in such activity.

"Also if you are a builders/stone merchant and you are offered stone of this nature and are suspicious in any way, you should contact the police."