The Deputy Mayor of St. John’s says she is sympathetic to the residents of the Outer Battery who want action concerning bright lights installed by one property owner in the area.

Residents have launched a petition to have council deal with the issue.

Sheilagh O’Leary says the city’s hands are tied because there are no regulations surrounding the use of bright or nuisance lights.

She says the problem is a relatively new one for council.

In her 12-13 years on council, it’s the first time she’s encountered that kind of a complaint, and the concept of a nuisance lighting bylaw is worthy of further investigation.