WILTSHIRE County Council is planning to spend £50,000 on 22 lampposts to light a 550 metre stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath from London Road to the bridge by Quakers Walk, Devizes.

But the scheme could be scuppered because objectors say the four-metre high galvanised steel columns would be out of place by the canal.

Andrew Wyatt, county traffic and road safety manager said: "The basic premise of the local transport plan is to encourage people to walk and cycle.

"We believe that by lighting that section of towpath it will encourage more walkers and cyclists to use it, but if there are strong objections it's likely the scheme will be abandoned."

Jeff Ody, chairman of The Trust for Devizes said the canal would resemble a motorway.

He said: "I think it's a grotesque waste of money. This would increase light pollution."

David Berezynskyj, operations engineer at British Waterways, said: "What is proposed is an urban style of street lamp which is totally inappropriate for the historical landscape of the canal.

"We would have to look at ways of providing low level security lighting if it is felt that lighting the towpath fulfils a need."

Victoria Road residents whose homes back on to the towpath have mixed views.

Alice Boyd said: "The lights are not attractive. I don't think it would encourage people to walk on the towpath at night.

Derek Pedder said: "I think it would make the towpath safer to walk on at night but the lighting needs to be in keeping."

Do you think this scheme is needed? How do you think the £50,000 should be spent ? E-mail reporter Jill Crooks on jcrooks@newswilts.co.uk