People say they are being kept awake by a giant electronic billboard that shines so brightly it can be seen from passing planes. The 57ft screen has been likened to a 'second sun' by one neighbour due to its fierce glare.
The billboard's owner says it is Europe's second largest digital advertising screen. It has become the centre of an online debate after a Reddit user pointed out that it was visible from aircraft.
"Glad others are upset about this thing," one user commented. "It’s a blinding, distracting nuisance and should never have been built."
"It's so bright I feel like I get an x-ray every time I drive past," another wrote.
The billboard is situated next to the White City roundabout in Stretford, part of Trafford in Greater Manchester. Cameron Weeks, who lives on the opposite side of the canal to the advert, told the Manchester Evening News it keeps him awake even when he closes his blinds.
The 24-year-old said: "It lights up the room. It also depends on the colours used in the advert. When the advert is white, it's really bright."
The Manchester Screens, which owns the board which has replaced a mural on the side of the Victoria Warehouse, say it is illuminated between 6am and 2am. But Cameron said he wants the billboard, near Manchester United's Old Trafford football stadium, to be turned off for a longer period at night.
"I can't imagine it is very effective advertising when nobody is out," he said. "In the day it's fine, but as soon as it gets dark it's like a second sun. It's very annoying."
Another resident, Chris Gillaspy, said: "They’re a problem as they are too bright and the light pollution can be seen for miles around. If you look directly at it, it hurts your eyes. I have to drive past it regularly on the way to the gym and it’s a huge distraction."
Active travel campaigner Harry Gray, who runs Walk Rise Salford, also raised concerns. "Digital advertising screens are problematic in many ways," he said.
"First they are a distraction to drivers. It is illegal to use a phone while driving yet digital screens cause huge distractions.
"They also use a lot of energy. A screen 10 times smaller was recently found to use three households worth of energy."
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “The billboard in question does not belong to Trafford Council but we will look into the complaint regarding the lighting levels.”
The Manchester Evening News approached Manchester Screens for comment.
