CHANDELIERS could light Yarm Town Hall, rather than "monstrous" strip lights.

That is the hope of Coun Eric Turton, who thinks the council chamber is dowdy and needs a new look.

He recently suggested it be painted an historically-correct arsenic green - which set tongues wagging among councillors, Some suggested white or red might be better.

Whatever colour is chosen, the council chamber is set for a fresh lick of paint and new curtains. No final decision has yet been taken.

This week, councillors were still seeking aesthetic advice from architectural and heritage groups.

At Tuesday night's meeting, chairman Coun Liz Marsden said: "Have the societies got back to us with anything?"

"No," said Coun Jake Dale. He recalled an impressive Billingham firm which gave his church advice on four different colour schemes and presented options very professionally.

"However, the problem is that all that was arranged by the organist - who's in Tenerife." People were trying to find the firm's details, he said.

"Can I suggest we just go ahead and decide, as the town council," asked town clerk Peter Woods.

"I hope we're not going to have Mr Turton's arsenic green," quipped Coun Marjorie Simpson.

Coun Gwen Porter said some of the hall had already been painted but Coun Simpson said it could easily be changed. "It's only a bit of emulsion."

Coun Turton took her point about arsenic green but, looking up to the neon tubes, said: "A couple of chandeliers would be a lot nicer than these garish strip lights. If we are talking about colour schemes, chandeliers would give a completely different aspect to the town hall, rather than those monstrosities."

Coun Porter said: "There are two nice chandeliers in the electric shop. Perhaps we should have a look at them?"

No decision was taken and Coun Philip Addison joked: "How about some nice flock wallpaper."