FAMILIES battling to prevent the removal of seventy-year-old lampposts from their road have resorted to desperate measures.

Commercial artist Jeff Waters, 50, who is leading the battling homeowners of Parkmead Road in Wyke Regis has even chained his four-by-four Suzuki to one of the remaining posts in a bid to stop it being taken away.

He was incensed when workers turned up suddenly and replaced one of the road's three 1930s cast iron lamps with a modern aluminium model.

He and other residents have accused Weymouth and Portland Borough Council of vandalism and bombarded the borough's street lighting department with complaints.

Mr Waters, who has lived in the road for 39 years, was called home from work by his daughter when the workmen arrived.

He immediately called the council, only to be told by the street lighting department that the work couldn't be stopped.

He said: "I did the first thing I could think of and chained my car up to one of the other lights - there's no other way I can stop them from going. Everybody loves the lampposts and no-one wants to see them go."

Fellow resident Jo Scott said: "This is council vandalism. We should be preserving our heritage, not taking it away."

The two remaining lights were due to be removed yesterday.

The council's engineering and harbour services manager Martin Gallivan said: "The work is going on longer than we thought and we cannot change matters as we have to act in the interests of public safety."

Street lighting engineer Mark Gooding, also from the borough council, said: "The level of lighting in Parkmead Road no way near meets British standards. The new lights will provide a much more uniform glow."

But Beverley Paul, who house is only metres away from one of new lights erected, was angry at the move.

She said: "The light is brighter and nearer than the old one and will shine straight into my bedroom. I can't see why it has been moved."

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Doug Hollings turned up to hear the residents' complaints.

He told them: "I am caught between the two sides. I represent the residents' interests, but there are requirements the council officers have to meet.

"I think the current lights are lovely - we will see if the protest produces a change."

The council have said the antique lights, which can fetch hundreds of pounds when reconditioned, will be used in Victoria Square and Easton Gardens in Portland.