Householders are dismayed historic lampposts have been removed and replaced with “extremely ugly” eco-friendly ones.

For decades, the traditional curly decorative metal posts have stood in the Preston area of Brighton lighting the way for locals.

But residents of Compton Road, Brighton, say they were surprised when Brighton and Hove City Council replaced them with “rough-looking aluminium poles” similar to “what you would find in a car park”.

The local authority said the work, while saving energy and the taxpayer money, was urgently needed as the posts had failed structural tests.

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But resident Julia Trigg said: “The quirkiness of Brighton is what it is most famous for and to remove any character at all seems a shame.

“Walking round our local streets in Preston Park – Reigate Road, Hampstead Road, Kingsley Road, Robertson Road etc, all the lamp posts are even more decorative - they add to the 'village' feel.

“It would be such a shame to see them all go rather than updating the electrics.”

The new poles were installed about three months ago without any lights on top.

Ms Trigg said they had been placed in front of people’s windows which she feared would keep people awake at night.

She said: “The new ugly light opposite us was on for the first time last night, and it does shine in making our bedroom much brighter.”

In response, a council spokesman said: “We’re sorry that Ms Trigg doesn’t like our new lighting on Compton Road.

“Like elsewhere in the city we have introduced white light to reduce energy and carbon consumption.

“It also increases the feeling of security and safety on the streets while ensuring that lighting levels meet required standards.

“With intense and continuing pressure on budgets we no longer paint or maintain decorative units other than in prioritised conservation areas and those protected by English Heritage.

“The lamp posts have been located as sympathetically as possible.

“Our engineers have to consider underground cables and utility services as well as trees and other street furniture, so we are not always able to place the columns in an ideal location and compromise has to be reached.

“With regard to Ms Twigg’s concerns about light intrusion into her property, we will be offering to meet her on site to see if we can improve things for her.”