COUNCILLORS have ditched proposals for new lighting at The Haver following a heated debate.

Several residents made impassioned pleas for the strip of land, which connects Greenway Lane and Ryeworth Road in the area, not to be lit at night.

The parish council had a long-term ambition to upgrade the area and improve lighting using some of its own cash, but following a rowdy debate it has now deferred the decision with a promise to review it at a later date.

Councillors also hoped the pathway, which is severely degraded, could be improved.

Councillor Ted Freeman said: "If it's not what people want then we have to listen to that. The path, however, is a priority because it's become so difficult for people to walk along there, especially mums with prams.

"Unfortunately this has become a chicken and an egg situation which means the pathway couldn't be laid until a decision had been made on the lighting for practical purposes."

Residents mounted two separate petitions with 25 objecting and 105 saying they were for the scheme.

Both sides were asked to give their views at a parish council meeting but only those against turned up.

Resident Michael Hartley, who lives in nearby Ashley Close, said: "I think the priority is all wrong to put lights up there.

"It will only create an eyesore. At night it could also encourage unwanted behaviour. This is something that needs to be done in consideration of the area concerned and my feeling is this could actually attract a criminal element."

A Ryeworth Road resident added: "The petition with 105 signatures on should be treated with caution. It takes in many residents who live so far away they wouldn't be affected. The fact no one in favour of it has turned up speaks volumes.

"I'm not saying the path doesn't need attention, but don't put up these lights."