WHEN the owners of Skipton Bed and Suite Centre swapped outside lights for smaller more energy efficient bulbs they never dreamt they could be prosecuted.

Terry Turner and business partner Louise Marren have been told they must take down the four top mounted fluorescent strip lights as they are detrimental to Skipton's conservation area.

But, similar lights which were two foot bigger have been hanging above the shop sign on Water Street for the past 32 years.

Mr Turner said when the bed and suite centre were incorporated in one premises, the staff decided to change the shop's sign from brown to blue.

"We also looked at the lights and they were dropping to bits. We got the electrician round and he said that style was obsolete and the nearest to them were six feet tubes not eight feet, and they were energy efficient ones," said Mrs Marren.

Soon after the lights were switched on, the business received a letter from Craven District Council's planning department saying that planning permission should have been sought for the lights.

Mrs Marren said she had had no idea that planning permission was needed as it had not been necessary for the previous lights and the new ones were smaller and more energy efficient.

But planning committee members agreed on Monday that the lights were out of keeping with the area and detracted from its appearance, and should be taken down.

At the meeting Mr Turner said he was prepared to put a fascia board across the front of the lights and only put the lights on during shop hours.

But, chairman Coun Marcia Turner said the lights were visible and it was council policy that shops should not be externally illuminated.

Planning officer Roger France said that as shop refurbishments were being done in the town the opportunity was being taken to bring all external fixtures and fittings in line with the local policy.

He added that the applicant should not be treated any differently to anyone else.

Councillors refused to grant permission for the illuminated sign and authorised that prosecution action could be taken if the lights were not removed.

Mrs Marren and Mr Turner said they would appeal.