A COUPLE in Melksham are believed to be the first in the country to be issued with an order tackling light pollution.

West Wiltshire District Council issued an abatement notice after receiving a complaint about an overbearing security light.

The couple, who live in Barnwell Road, could be issued with a fine of up to £5,000 if they fail to comply with the order.

The council received a complaint from a neighbour, who said the security light was shining directly into her bedroom.

Environmental health officers saw the problem first-hand on April 26, and after an informal approach failed, they issued the notice.

Councils across the UK were granted powers to deal with light pollution when the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act came into force last month.

Cllr Rosemary Brown, the council's environment portfolio holder, said, "Where there is a clear nuisance such as this, our officers will act to protect the peace and tranquillity that every householder in our district is entitled to enjoy.

"We now have greater powers to clamp down on problems such as light pollution, and this action shows that we take such complaints very seriously."