LAMP posts described as monstrous have ruined the appearance of part of the Bedale conservation area, according to town councillors.

The galvanised metal lighting columns have been erected on and around Wycar green by North Yorkshire County Council in connection with a one-way road system designed for traffic travelling to and from the new Quality Fare store behind the market place.

In an attempt to keep down the amount of street furniture in the area, the county has decided that the eight new columns, about 15ft high, will carry not only lights but signs associated with the one-way traffic system.

It has been claimed, however, that the columns were erected on a village green without any consultations with the town council, whose members said the design and style were not in keeping with the conservation area. Councillors were also concerned about the type of lighting head to be placed on top of the columns.

A site meeting took place in Wycar on Monday between a town council delegation and a representative of the county environmental services department.

Deputy mayor Coun John Noone said later that the county council had reacted positively to local concerns.

The town council was asked for its views on the proposed Wycar lighting scheme last month, but Mrs Ann Le Druillenec, the clerk, said insufficient information had been supplied for members to make constructive comments. It had been decided that a member should inspect the work done so far and report back.

Coun Noone said: "It's unbelievable. It's like Blackpool illuminations yet you can't get lights where they are really needed.

"There are too many lamp posts and they are rather intrusive and not very attractive. It has been badly approached. There should have been consultations with us, especially as it is our land.

"Two posts have been put on the green without our agreement. They just appeared. We were not consulted on the type of lights to be put up.

Coun Ellen Dunning said: "It has ruined Wycar green for anyone wanting to take a photograph. The posts are monstrous."

Mr Mike Masterman, head of environmental management at the county council, said: "The poles will be painted black, which is one of the standard colours, and the choice of lantern is one which we would normally use in conservation areas.

"The lanterns will not be big, obtrusive things but fairly discreet ones which will also have the advantage of low energy and a minimal amount of light spill. They should fit in very well in that location.

"As far as I am aware, the columns were put on the highway. We would not normally consult unless it was in areas where lighting was sensitive or there had been previous strong representations from the public or councils."

Mr Masterman questioned whether, during consideration of the planning application, confusion had arisen over lighting in the supermarket car park, which was a matter to be taken up with the developer, and the work done by the county council.