An innovative new scheme is set to be announced which will revolutionise how traffic lights in Sittingbourne are powered.

Swale council has held secret talks with the town’s whistling postman, Dale Howting, to discuss using his cycling hobby to create electricity.

The plan is to have a custom-made stationary bike with associated power cables for his use installed at Homebase, on Mill Way, by July.

The move is part of the authority’s goal to cut its energy bill and promote its green agenda.

Ideas to use pedal power to generate electricity were first mooted by council bosses when the regeneration plans were announced, but no initiatives have been confirmed until now.

It is hoped Mr Howting pedalling for at least seven hours a day will keep 35 sets of lights in a four-mile radius of the store illuminated.

Council officer Tim Brightman, said: “Dale’s a big supporter of green energy and that’s just one of the reasons he was up for it, as well as the fact he knows it will keep him trim and healthy.

“Obviously, there are obstacles to overcome – the issue of him getting tired is one of them.

“If he starts flagging that’s going to be a problem because the lights just won’t work – there will be drivers sitting there like melons on a red signal.”

Some of the traffic lights to be powered through the Homebase bike include the signals outside the Morrisons supermarket on Mill Way.

Because of the bicycle’s proximity to the lights, it is thought big electricity surges will make them shine too brightly - something critics of the scheme have said could cause eye problems for drivers.

Ilene Cornell, of the national charity Protect Our Vision!, said: “Studies have shown that looking at too bright traffic lights can cause blindness and, in some cases, death.

“I would urge Swale council to hang warning signs on all of the cycle powered sets of lights, so people do not look at them.”

Mr Howting said: “Honestly, this feels even more meaningful that my charity work over the years.

“Every moment I pedal I’m helping one more motorist safely make it through a junction – that’s a truly great feeling.”