In the pink - why yobs with acne see the light

The lights are so strong they highlight skin blemishes and have been successful in moving on youths from troublespots who view pink as being "uncool."

Officials in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire are considering whether to introduce the scheme to combat anti-social teenagers, especially males.

It has been trialled elsewhere in the country and is under the scrutiny of the local Safer Neighbourhood Partnership.

Manager Dave Hey said: "With the fluorescent pink light we are trying to embarass young people out of the area.

"The pink is not seen as particularly macho among young men and apparently it highlights acne and blemishes in the skin.

"It is just one of a range of ways and means of deterring anti-social behaviour we are looking at."

A North Lincolnshire Council spokesman said: "We are always looking for innovative ways to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Each area is different, for some CCTV is the answer, in others finding young people alternative places to meet.

"However it could just boil down to making an area unattractive for young people. This is why pink lighting is being investigated.

"On the face of it this sounds barmy. But do young people really want to hang around in an area with a pink glow that makes any spots they have on their face stand out?"

Other schemes across the country are gathering information on the bright lights.