A beach hut-sized sign which “spoils” a magnificent Poole Harbour view has been condemned by residents.

The sign on stilts is just too big, says Mike Hickmott, who looks out from his Lulworth Avenue home across Hamworthy Park to the eyesore.

Two metres wide and more than three metres high, it has been erected by Borough of Poole leisure services in the gap between the beach huts.

“Hamworthy Park is a huge asset,” said Mr Hickmott.

“It’s the only bit of public space in Hamworthy.

“By plonking a sign there one of the really nice things about Hamworthy Park is spoilt.”

It blocks the view of Corfe Castle across the harbour in the Purbeck Hills, he said, and he called for it to be replaced with a smaller sign or set lower and at right angles to the promenade.

Providing information about the beach and park, it points out such delights as the cafe and tennis courts, but in such a small area these attractions were all visible, said Mr Hickmott.

Mary Parsons of Lake Residents Association and the Friends of Hamworthy Park said she had been to a meeting with council officers where she questioned the need for three signs along the promenade and this “very dominant” sign.

“My concerns and those of the councillors were brushed aside,” she said.

“The recent installation of this garish hoarding confirms my expressed worst fears.”

Former Hamworthy councillor and beach hut owner Fred Winwood said the number of huts had been reduced to create views. “I am sure that if you had applied to site a beach hut in a similar position to the offending notice board, the application would have been refused for that reason,” he said.

Clive Smith, head of leisure services at the Borough of Poole, said this was one of many seafront signs erected around the borough and the safety information had been designed with the RNLI.

“The important information means the signs are fairly large and need to be positioned where they will be noticed and read by visitors,” he said.

“Prior to installation we consulted local councillors and the Friends of Hamworthy Park.

“For those reasons we are not proposing to move the sign.”