The cost of their upkeep is split between the various parish councils and Malvern Hills District Council, a system that caused controversy earlier in the year when MHDC demanded “top-up” bills worth £2,837.

Cllr Knibb said: “Yes, they’re a part of history, but how many people come at night to see them illuminated?

“They’re about 20 per cent efficient in producing light. They are listed but we cannot clarify whether the listing includes them actually running.”

Fellow parish councillor Jim Black, who sits on a gas lamps working party, said: “The big problem with them is the costs involved.”

Cllr Black said it would be up to residents of Malvern Wells to decide on the future of the lamps.

“We have booked a spot in the next parish magazine and we’re going to write some sort of questionnaire which allows parishioners to state their preferences,” he added.

Source the Malvern Gazzette