Council chiefs have downplayed research suggesting LED lights cause health problems and disrupt wildlife as they install the 100,000th converted street lamp in Kent.

Kent County Council bosses said it was a “significant milestone” in its £40m scheme to replace all its streetlights, which began two years ago and is expected to be largely complete by the end of this year.

The replacement programme will eventually save the council more than £5m a year on energy costs although some savings are already being made.

However, it comes amid concerns the LED lights could affect wildlife by disturbing their sleep patterns.

Earlier this year it was reported that exposure to LED lights could be a trigger for cancer.

According to research conducted by American academics, the LED lights are affecting wildlife "as much as the midday sun."

Light pollution from the white and bluish lamps are three times more disruptive to creatures than those with yellow, amber or greenish hues.

Lead author Professor Travis Longcore, a spatial scientist at the the University of Southern California, said: "Outdoor environments are changing rapidly and in ways that can impact wildlife species."

The county council has downplayed the reported risks, saying that there was no conclusive evidence about the LEDs’ impact on either wildlife or people.

Kent County Council cabinet member for transport Mike Whiting said: “We are very excited to mark this significant milestone in such a crucial project for the county.

"As we near completion, we have been able to realise several benefits including cost savings for the taxpayer, cutting-edge technology and sustainability for the environment and future generations.

“We are also able to quickly rectify outages, to ensure that the correct amount of light is used and roads are not over lit, and eliminate the need for switch-offs.”

KCC said it sought to minimise the glare from the lights and that research was not conclusive about health risks.

A spokesman said: “When developing our lantern specification, we considered light pollution and the impact on public health and developed a robust lantern specification which directs lights only where it is needed.

"This avoids light pollution and glare and ensuring the new lights are fit for purpose.”