Demand for high voltage light bulbs has led to a Kidderminster shop being virtually stripped of supplies.

The Express & Star told yesterday how people were clamouring to buy the bulbs after the EU moved to replace them with low energy lights.

The EU wants to phase out the high-energy bulbs by the end of 2012 but many people say they prefer the traditional 100 and 150 watt bulbs.

In Kidderminster shoppers have stampeded John Beard Tools and Ironmongery in Bridge Street. One customer went into the shop to buy 20 bulbs. Now John Beard, head of the family-run business has pledged to continue stocking the old-style bulbs as long as he can get them from manufacturers.

He said: “There is a move to get people to buy the low-energy bulbs. However, a lot of people still prefer the standard ones and particularly the 100 and 150 watt bulbs.

“Because we provide a service for our customers we will still be stocking them as long as we an get them from the manufacturers, and we are expecting another big delivery.”