GARISH Blackpool-style illuminations and sign boards for a traditional country inn are turning neighbours into insomniacs and could be putting drivers' safety at risk, it has been claimed.

Residents told Wycombe district councillors at last Wednesday's planning meeting that the car park security lights and red electric signs on the Blue Flag pub, in Cadmore End, were shining into neighbours' bedrooms and keeping them awake until 4am, the time when the security light was turned off.

Councillors also heard how the pub's A boards, placed on the verge of "one of the county's most dangerous roads", were potentially distracting motorists and are being investigated by Buckinghamshire County Council highways department.

Penny and Charlie Richards, from the neighbouring Rose Cottage, said their lives had been ruined since the pub's refurbishment and change of management 15 months ago.

Mrs Richards said: "When we first moved here five years ago the pub had an excellent reputation for fine dining and only had one signboard. Now it's like living next to a motorway service station, or Blackpool Illuminations.

"We used to enjoy sitting quietly in the back garden having a drink of wine under the stars, but now we are floodlit.

"It has got so bad I even thought about putting blackout material up at the windows."

Councillors sympathised with Mr and Mrs Richards' situation and have now ordered the pub to remove four of the offending signs, describing the new look as "garish" and "completely out of character" for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as Cadmore End They then only approved an application for three replacement signs A spokesman for the Blue Flag said the 24-hour security lights had been installed at the request of guests who were worried about leaving their cars parked overnight.

In response to complaints from the neighbours, the pub had previously agreed to turn off one light and reduce the time the other lights were on.

The pub spokesman said he did not believe the A boards were inappropriately but he said he would move them if instructed by the county highways department.