SUFFOLK county council has been criticised for adopting a "Draconian attitude" and spoiling one of the country's best medieval market squares by putting up street lamps without consultation.

SUFFOLK county council has been criticised for adopting a "Draconian attitude" and spoiling one of the country's best medieval market squares by putting up street lamps without consultation.

Residents were dismayed to discover that two lamp posts had been put up on Market Hill, Woodbridge, and they were only later informed that these were temporary alternative lights to be used when the floodlit Shire Hall was refurbished.

Tony Hubbard, chairman of Woodbridge Society and a Market Hill resident, wrote to the county council to say that he was appalled that street lighting and potential street furniture had been chosen without consultation.

"As a medieval square, it is perfectly intact and arguably one of the best examples of its kind in the country. It is accordingly imperative that any works of replacing the existing street lighting system should be totally in sympathy with the very special environs, and not detract in any way from its unique beauty – its design should accordingly be given special consideration and not necessarily conform with other lighting in the town," said Mr Hubbard.

He complained that he was under the impression that the county had taken on a draconian attitude and Mr Hubbard added: ''The Market Hill deserves more than this and its magical beauty could so easily be marred by insensitive decisions being taken."

He said the lights were in the worst possible position and they wrecked the open aspect of the square and destroyed its symmetry.

A county council spokeswoman said the lights were temporary to compensate for the lack of lighting when the Shire Hall was covered in scaffolding.

"There is currently a light scheme being discussed with the town council affecting this area of the town which will obviously lead to a more permanent solution being decided," she said and added it would fit in with the Conservation Area.

Mr Hubbard said Woodbridge Society wanted to ensure that very careful and special attention was paid to the market square to keep the area unique.