VANDALISM on one of York's most eye-catching structures has got so bad council bosses have been forced to change the way it is lit.

Lighting chiefs at City of York Council say repeated vandalism on the Millennium Bridge - which spans the River Ouse between Fulford and South Bank - has forced them to stop replacing the lights which illuminate its walkway.

The issue of lighting across the bridge has sparked concern from local councillor Andy d'Agorne.

The Fishergate ward member said the problem got particularly bad over Christmas, when a large proportion of the bridge's lighting was not working, making it dangerously dark for users.

He said: "It's very well used, particularly at this time of year - it's used by people going home from work. If there's less light, even if you can still see, it reduces your sense of safety."

A council spokeswoman said the bridge's arch and underseat lights were now working again - but urged locals to report any lighting problems so they could be fixed quickly.

She said: "Unfortunately, the bridge lights have been the subject of repeated vandalism, to the point where it is no longer viable to keep replacing the walkway deck lights.

"We are looking to put some vandal-proof fittings in their place to improve the appearance of the structure.

"The arch lights and the underseat lights on the bridge are now working, however it is important people let us know if they see they go off.

"Unfortunately, the last time the underseat lights fused, they were off for six weeks because we were unaware they were off."

Coun d'Agorne said: "It's a shame that it's been vandalised, but keeping the lights working as far as possible is an important part of preventing vandalism, ironically, because obviously if something is neglected then people are less inclined to report it, and there's more likelihood of further vandalism.

"There has got to be adequate lighting on that bridge.

"Without the lighting under the seats then you've just got the reflected light off the structure itself - it's not pitch black but it's more intimidating."

He added: "I've no problem with people gathering there, as along as they're not causing a nuisance."

Updated: 11:41 Thursday, January 05, 2006