Lights so bright that they have confused wildlife in to thinking daylight never ends have been met with anger by York residents.

The new introduction at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, in Naburn, has caused demands for a change in the law to give greater powers to clamp down on light pollution.

But the floodlighting has divided those who live nearest it.

The outlet's closest neighbours, the residents of Naburn Lane, are split between those who loathe the lights and those who welcome them.

The intensity of the new fixtures is so high that birds have started to sing throughout the night.

They have brought complaints from as far away as Bishopthorpe.

Karen Turner, who lives directly opposite the outlet, said: "We have had 25 years of living in peace, and all of a sudden this area has become very, very bright.

"The birds are going berserk all night long, it is dangerous when you're driving because the lights throw strange shadows. We are having to get extra lining for the curtains because it is so bright."

Ann Carfoot, another Naburn Lane resident, said: "If I look out of the window there is a bright blue glow. It is like permanent daylight."

But Mildred Jackson said: "I quite like the lights. This was a dark lane before. Now it feels a lot safer."

City of York Council confirmed that they had received a complaint from one York resident affected by the lights.

Environmental protection manager Paul Robinson said: "Unfortunately we have no legal powers to take any action against light pollution."

A spokesman for BAA McArthurGlen said today the outlet had been fully illuminated at night while work on the exterior of the complex was completed.

But he added; "Local residents will be pleased to hear that in future all the lighting will be dimmed to 30 per cent normal after 10pm."

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