By Isabel Jensen THE lights are going out all over Epping as shoppers rush to stock up on traditional lightbulbs before they are outlawed by the European Union.

One hundred watt bulbs will be unavailable from September as the Government attempts to promote the use of low energy alternatives, but already shoppers in the district are bulk buying the few remaining traditional bulbs.

Steve Allen, owner of F and S Electrics on Forest Road, Loughton has been getting inquiries from across London.

He said: ”Its been absolutely mad, I’ve seen people coming in and stripping the shelves of bulbs, one customer brought 24 separate bulbs, people are panicking.”

“I’ve been getting inquiries every 20 minutes via the phone or people coming in, I’ve completely run out of 100 watt bulbs at least for today, and we would normally sell this many in two weeks.”

It was the same story over at Argus Lighting in Epping High Street. Sales assistant James Willis said he had sold up to 80 bulbs to a single customer.

He added: “We’ve been taking calls and selling bulbs all day. We haven’t run out yet but we’re having to restock much earlier.”

The sale of 150 watt bulbs has already been stopped while the sale of 60 watt bulbs will end next year.

The new energy efficient bulbs last longer than traditional bulbs but they are also a lot more expensive and have been connected with skin rashes, migraines, and epilepsy. They have been criticised for harsh and flickery light but the Government claims that the switch will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around five million tons each year.

With supermarkets already clearing their shelves it is smaller shops that are winning the custom of anxious shoppers.

Argus Lighting Owner Humphrey Wheeler said: “The thing is that some of the big DIY stores and supermarkets have already stopped selling the bulbs, so we’re feeling the benefit.