A FLUORESCENT light sculpture is said to be causing sleepless nights for people living near a contemporary art exhibition.

Residents say the blue glow from the roof of the former industrial unit at Brompton on Swale has scared away wildlife and keeps them awake.

The 5m high "stairway" piece and a neon sculpture on the outside wall of the former telephone repeater station are part of Some Versions of Light, one of the most important exhibitions to come to the area.

It focuses on artists who use light and features a world premier by Californian artist James Turrell and two pieces by Turner Prize nominees.

Alan Bennett, who lives in nearby Gatherley Road, said the glow had scared away owls, disturbed people's sleep and caused his neighbour's dog to bark incessantly. "It is a white plastic construction, with steps going up, and it lights up blue neon. It's horrible," he said.

"I don't want to stop the building being used as an art gallery or to prevent exhibitions coming here, but does it really have to shine all night?"

Greville Worthington, who organised the exhibition, which runs from May 18 to June 22, said the fluorescent bulbs in the piece, which went up last week, emitted a low level of light.

"It is very beautiful and looks wonderful at night. I find it difficult to believe that it is keeping anyone awake," he said, adding that he would contact Mr Bennett to discuss the matter.

"The bulbs were switched on overnight to check the light levels, but could be timed to turn off late at night if they really caused offence. This is a really important contemporary exhibition from artists all over the world and very important for the area," said Mr Worthington.

Admission to the exhibition, which has received Arts Council funding and sponsorship from the Tees Valley office of Wise Speke stockbrokers, is free.

The stairway piece is by Martin Richman who has created several large-scale light installations in the region, notably at South Shields.