A parish council is considering banning its Christmas lights competition to save energy.

But the suggestion was met with fury from some councillors with one asking: “Do we just slit our throats and give up life altogether?”

The question was raised at Chestfield Parish Council after a villager complained their festive lights competition was irresponsible.

The Energy Saving Trust says more than 15,500 hot air balloons could be filled with the carbon dioxide produced by Christmas lights every year.

Council chairman Bob Brown said: “We have been asked whether having a Christmas lights competition is in keeping with the idea that we should all have regard for our carbon footprints.

“Is it morally acceptable to encourage people to have lots of bright lights and burn electricity?”

But Cllr Linda Wickings said: “Do we just slit our throats and give up life altogether? There is not a lot of fun going on at the moment - let’s leave this be.”

And Cllr Sue Shillam said: “What people put in their gardens has nothing to do with the competition. Who are we to say people can’t do it?”

Cllr Brown suggested: “Maybe we should stress that the competition is not about the number of lights but the artistic value.”

No decision was made at the meeting.

Low energy lights have been installed in London and other cities but the district’s council-organised lights displays use a mixture of traditional bulbs and LED lights.