LOCAL residents can buy their own Victorian street lights as the council replaces them for a better model.

Many of the cast iron street lights in Harrogate's conservation area are being replaced due to electrical safety concerns, corrosion and the high cost of maintenance.

Frequently old lamps fail and in certain cases Northern Electric has refused to reconnect them following main- tenance work.

However, the original columns will not just be discarded. Some are being offered for sale to residents in the area. Harrogate Borough Council will be offering appropriate technical advice about safety and planning restrictions to those wanting to adapt the lamps for use in gardens and driveways.

The new lamps in the conservation area will be in sympathy with the original columns and the environment, but at a cost of about £800, will provide safer lighting.

Councillor Michael Newby, cabinet member for public works, said: "The council has consulted extensively on the replacements which will be fitted with period style embellishments, painted black and completed with a Victorian type period lantern.

"They will provide a 70-watt high pressure sodium light as national surveys show that residents feel more secure with this type of illumination."

The old columns will be sold at £100 each and interested local residents should call (01423) 556545.