A Blackburn garage is blinding residents with its “excessive” new lighting and causing “ridiculous” light pollution - with it compared to the Northern Lights.

The Three Arches petrol station in Preston Old Road, Feniscowles, was recently changed from a Shell to an EG Group site - the firm owned by Blackburn's billionaire Issa brothers.

The new owners have kitted out the new store in bright green lighting, which nearby residents have already grown fed up with.

Neon strips have been applied to the top of the garage shelter and the signage, leaving a green glow over nearby housing estates and along the main road.

Cherry Tree resident Benjamin Anson said: “It was a little shocking to see the glow from my house, I thought it was a bit excessive.

“We are too far away to be impacted directly, but it's not nice to see out of your window in the evening.”

However, for people who live across the road, it has been described as almost 24/7 daylight, with people saying the light shines through gaps in their curtains.

Residents are being asked to report the pollution to Blackburn with Darwen Council due to the issues it is causing for their sleep and wellbeing.

One user on Facebook said: “I just went to the garage and couldn’t get over how bright it was!!! It’s so bad!”

The EG Group has told the Lancashire Telegraph it is sending a supplier to deal with the lighting and has contacted residents who are happy for them to do it. 

The firm said the engineer contracted to fit the lighting accidentally put it to a higher setting, so it will be turned down which it is hoped will alleviate the issue. 

In a post on Facebook people said the lighting issue reminded them of a comical incident in October when someone in Suffolk thought they could see the Northern Lights, but it turned out instead to be light emanating from a nearby tomato factory.

The light came from Suffolk Sweet Tomatoes’ LED light units, which are used to encourage the growth of its stock.

Another Facebook user said: “Saw a comment in the last couple of nights about being able to see the northern lights.

"Didn’t realise it was EG. Would not like to live near it.”

An EG ON The Move spokesman said: "EG On The Move are aware of the concerns regarding the canopy lighting at our Three Arches petrol forecourt station on Preston Old Road and take such matters seriously.

"There is some conversion work being undertaken due to a change of site ownership and have already contacted our canopy lighting supplier and requested that they take immediate action to reduce the amount of light being emitted.

"We are committed to ensuring that our operations are both safe and considerate of the surrounding environment, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Blackburn with Darwen Council has also been contacted for comment.