A couple in Lincolnshire have said their sleep has been disrupted for months after their neighbours kept up flashing Christmas lights months after festive celebrations drew to a close.
Richard Bartlett and Caroline Levesque-Bartlet have been forced to install “extra blackout blinds” in order to block out the intense lights which are on “constantly”.
However, they said the bright festive lights can still be seen, which they have called “disruptive”.
The property, on St Andrew’s Drive, also has several illuminated items on the ground outside and a flashing Christmas tree on the roof of the porch.
The flashing lights have been called ‘disruptive’ (stock pictured)
PA
The couple said they had no cause for concern about the lights when they were first installed.
Speaking to Lincolnshire Live, Bartlett said: “We didn’t think anything when our neighbour put up a display at Christmas as many people do.
“Most take theirs down around January 6, but hers stayed up and up and up. It’s now April, and they’re still on constantly.”
He said the “pretty intense LEDs” can be seen through both their living room and bedroom windows.
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The property on St Andrew’s Drive also has several illuminated items on the ground outside and a flashing Christmas tree on the roof of the porch
Google Street View
Despite putting up black-out blinds, the “pulsing” lights “makes you wake up more”.
“You can’t zone them out,” he said.
The City of Lincoln Council has said that the lights have since been switched off.
Ben Jackson, Public Protection, Anti-Social Behaviour and Licensing Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are aware of this issue and were scheduled to visit the complainant’s property on the evening of Monday April 14. However, we were informed that the lights have now been turned off and the complainant cancelled the meeting.
The City of Lincoln Council has said that the lights have since been switched off
Google Street View
“The complaint remains open, should the issue arise again. We would always encourage residents to discuss any concerns around light pollution with their neighbour before issuing a complaint to the council.
“However, if the problem cannot be resolved in this manner, we always take such matters seriously and are prepared to intervene if required.”
The couple told the publication that they had reported the lights to the local authority numerous times, but received “mixed messages”.
“One person who came out told us it could be considered anti-social behaviour, but another didn’t think they were high enough to be considered a nuisance. Someone is coming to have another look this week,” Levesque-Bartlet said.
