A LONE Victorian street gas lamp, which escaped a widespread cull half a century ago, could soon be illuminated again - by gas.

The rusting structure stands, appropriately, in Victoria Grove, Ripon, and recently came close to being removed.

Now city councillors in Ripon are asking Transco to give it a new lease of life because it brings more than a touch of character to the street at its location near Gas Lamp Cottage.

The issue was raised by Councillor Paul Freeman, and now fellow councillors have agreed that Transco should be asked to reconnect the supply.

Former mayor of Ripon David Parnaby says he hopes Transco will agree to the request.

"We don't want to see it converted to electricity and a modern light bulb put in - we want to see it lit by gas again, if at all possible," he said.

Coun Parnaby said the lamp probably dated back to the days when Ripon had its own gas company.

However, the lantern and standard are looking worse for wear, and are in urgent need of restoration.

Coun Parnaby said he could not imagine how the lamp had not been swept away with many others when the gaslight era came to an end.

The lamp is thought to be the last of its type in the whole of Harrogate district.

Two others were discovered in an alleyway at Knaresborough several years ago, but were removed some time ago because they were beyond repair.