RESIDENTS living near Lidl's new Wellington store have complained of '24/7 lights' intruding into their bedrooms at night.

The row was sparked after Lidl made a fresh bid to erect a 20 feet high illuminated 'flagpole sign.'

The German supermarket giant had their request for the sign rejected by planners who said it would "Harm the visual qualities of the approach route into Wellington."

However, the store has lodged an appeal against the decision, prompting residents to complain that the store already emits a disruptive amount of light.

It is claimed the supermarket's lights remain on throughout the night, with some residents complaining they shine into their bedrooms.

Mrs Robins, who lives in view of Lidl, lodged her objections to the flagpole appeal, and said: "The light pollution from the store is already excessive. The store lights are left fully switched on all night. Why? They can be seen from three bedrooms and the kitchen in our house and no doubt in several other houses in the area."

In comments submitted to planners, Mr and Mrs Holloway said: "The existing illumination from the now installed logo, coupled with the store lights on continuously throughout the night, is extremely intrusive to say the least, since they are sited in direct line and less than fifty metres away from our bedroom windows.

"The addition of further lighting in this area therefor, is decidedly unfair and quite unacceptable. Sited a few years from a very busy roundabout with already heavy traffic flow and severe light pollution is an accident waiting to happen."

Mr and Mrs Holloway went on to brand the overnight lights as a 'garish intrusion' on their lives.

A resident of the Cades Farm estate said: "We wish there to be no intrusive or illuminated signs or flagpole erected on the Lidl site. There is already an antisocial level of powerful street lighting entering our front windows, about which we have already complained about to the local council. The location of Lidl is very clear without further illumination."

News of the flagpole appeal also provoked ire from residents on Facebook, who were vocal in their opposition to the plans.

Elanor Durrance commented: "The shop being there is great for people, the road should have been repaired first and it should not impact on the beauty of the area. It should not create huge light pollution and a negative impact on local people's homes."

Steve Vellam said: "Seems uneccesary. If you are driving past the shop you can't miss it and if you are not driving past the you won't see a 20 foot tall sign."

Residents were supported in their concerns by Wellington town Cllr Wayne Battishill who lives on the Cades estate. He said: "I have every sympathy with the people who are being affected by this light pollution.

"Unfortunately, the way that the planning system works locally is that they do not give much consideration to the very real concerns of local residents when these sorts of developments are proposed.

"It always seems that big business gets its own way. I would hope that Lidl will be understanding of the problems and try to do something to reduce the nuisance that is being caused here. After all, Lidl say themselves that they want to give back to local people and enhance the communities they operate in."

Lidl were approached for comment but did not respond before publication.