LET there be light! That's the plea from one Preston councillor after light-fingered thieves stole historic lamps.

The thieves have been helping themselves to ornamental lamps in several districts of Avenham and Frenchwood - costing Preston Borough Council several hundred pounds to replace.

Local councillor Ken Cole, who represents the area, has taken a dim view of the thefts, which have totalled 25 in the last six months.

The Victorian lamposts in Frenchwood Street are now topped by modern-day grey lamps.

And lights from Stoneygate are going missing.

Coun Cole said: "I noticed one had been stolen and when I reported it to the council they said there had been a spate of them several months ago.

"My fear is that it may now be repeated throughout the area. They may only be a small addition to the street scene, but when they aren't there, you certainly notice it!" He added: "From what I can gather, who ever is doing this pulls up in a lorry and unattaches several at a time. Passers-by may think it is council contractors but I am pretty certain thee people are stealing them to order as garden ornaments.

"As you can appreciate, this is upsetting for the residents and the council then has to spend money replacing them. That is money which could be spent elsewhere." Mahmoud Labib, Preston's technical services director, said: "The lights cost around £400 each to replace. We have had to replace the stolen lamps with normal ones until we can afford the original replacement."

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