CHEPSTOW Castle may have been used to extravagant displays of power in the past, but in these days of austerity leaving the lights on has pushed the buttons of the locals.

Mrs Barbara Madge who lives opposite the Castle has complained to the Review about lighting being left ablaze until the early hours of the morning.

Chepstow Castle is floodlit at night during the summer months, highlighting the dramatic towers and turrets of the town's beloved ruin.

But according to the Castle's neighbours, some days the lights are not turned off until 4.30am or even 5am.

Mrs Madge said: "It is a squandering waste of money, particularly when everyone is trying to save energy and motorway lights are being turned off.

"It doesn't stop me from sleeping, but when I come down at 5am to make a cup of tea and the lights are still blazing it seems ridiculous.

"It seems so stupid to keep the lights on when I'm sure not many people are awake to benefit from them."

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "The floodlights at Chepstow Castle would usually be switched off at 11pm but some electrical works have been undertaken recently which, it appears, may have adversely affected the timer system for the floodlights. 

"Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service, is doing its best to rectify the situation.

"We're grateful to the local resident for getting in touch as we are constantly reviewing our energy usage and are seeking opportunities for the future to install lights that offer better energy efficiency."

Mrs Madge added: "This is not the first time the lights have been left on all night, although it was nice for my granddaughter who was camping in my garden recently!"