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A £6million scheme to replace the 21,000 street lights in North Lincolnshire has come under fire because the new lamps are said to be too bright.

Work started last month on cutting the £1 million a year bill for local tax-payers by making the lights more energy efficient.

But Scunthorpe-born rock guitarist-singer Craig Austin has called for the lights to retain the orange glow that he claimed “added a pleasant ambiance to the local street scene.”

Craig whose bands include the Imps, The Dimples, Methuselah and The Beverley Brothers said: “I was dismayed to learn there will no longer be any orange street lights as they will be replaced by white LED’s.

“This a real shame as these lovely old sodium lights give out a warm, atmospheric and soothing glow.

He has asked North Lincolnshire Council if the new lights could be orange-tinted in order to retain “the cosy, nostalgic feel-good quality” of the original lamps.

Craig added: “It wouldn’t be difficult and at litle or no cost. Otherwise it’s anotehr bit of oru heriatge lost sand gone for ever.

“Most other street lighting nowadays is far too bright and harsh with an almost eerie ghoulish quality.

“There is already too much nasty glare and unhealthy light pollution everywhere as it is. Also in my experience when driving at night softer lighting is much more restful on the eyes and safer.”

A council spokesman said: “Traditional street lighting burns sodium which produces a light that appears orange in colour.

“LED’s produce a white light which is brighter and makes it easier to recognise colours, improving visibility for road users."