An old wartime relic which saved people from stray bullets is once again open to the public.

But the 'covered way' at Barton's Point coastal park at Sheerness is looking a lot different - and is no longer covered.

The 100-year-old structure had been cordoned off after its rusting iron supports and crumbling concrete roof threatened to fall on walkers.

The dangers have now been removed following an emergency operation by Swale council.

A council spokesman confirmed: "The walkway along the former rifle range is now open.

"We fenced off the partially covered walkway last year after sections of the roof collapsed.

"We've now removed the roof and corroded posts and the walkway is safe to use and open to the public."

But the new-look landmark has not gone down well with everyone.

Retired photographer Barry Hollis from Minster said: "It is not a pretty sight. This action seems so short-sighted."

The council rejected a more expensive plan to rebuild it and also threw out builder Bernie Watson's scheme to turn it into a tourist attraction creating pods or lodges with a landscaped boating lake for day-trippers to use.

Cllr Roger Truelove, who was leader at the time, said: “The council does not consider this a viable option, financially or from a perspective of likely public demand.”

When pensioner Henry Glover, 73, saw the damage he said: "They are destroying another piece of Sheppey’s history. Every old building on the Island just seems to disappear.

“At least you could shelter from the rain when you were walking. Now there is no shelter and the graffiti can be seen from everywhere.”

Members at Swale council’s Sheppey Area Committee voted for the cheapest option to half-demolish the building at a cost of £10,000 in June.

They could have demolished the whole structure, leaving just the concrete floor, for £30,000 or completely restored it for £250,000.

The building dates back to before the First World War and was later part of the Royal Navy's anti-aircraft gunnery school until the 1950s.

It was used to protect walkers from stray bullets during firing practice.