Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink insists railings on its new pedestrian walkway on Ryde Pier are safe, after campaigners called them a 'tragedy waiting to happen'.

Members of Wightlink Users' Group (WAG) believe the hand rails pose a risk to children as the gaps between them are 'too big'.

The group's founder, Bronwyn Hamilton Brown, said she was fearful children could end up falling through them.

WAG has written to Wightlink, asking for mesh to put between the gaps.

Read more: Isle of Wight ferry firm opens Ryde Pier walkway in time for festival

Bronwyn pointed out the 'safer' Victorian-style railings, on the vehicle area of the pier.

However, the ferry firm has told the County Press it has no plans to introduce mesh.

A spokesperson said: "Wightlink has installed the same kind of railings along its Ryde Pier pedestrian walkway that are already in use around its car park on Ryde Pier.

"These Broxap rails are commonly used in maritime settings."

The railings were installed on the pedestrian walkway when it was opened in time for the Isle of Wight Festival last month (June).

Bronwyn said the final product is not what was promised on the original planning application.

Permission was sought for rails with a much smaller gap, she said.

In response, Wightlink said: "As part of the planning process for the pedestrian walkway, a number of amendments were requested including changes to the style of the railings to be more in keeping with the heritage of the Pier."

A statement added: "Cyclists and scooter riders are not permitted to use the walkway and signs are in place advising pedestrians to supervise children."