The reason why men have been spotted painting 'green slime' on lampposts has been revealed after residents started raising concerns.
Wigan Council says it received multiple calls from Ashton-in-Makerfield residents concerned about workmen 'dressed in black' painting 'green gel' on their lampposts and fences.
The council has now cleared up the rumours that the painting 'could be connected to criminal activity' and fears around the 'suspicious' behaviour.
The green gel is 'being used as part of ultrasound structural testing of the council’s lighting columns', the town hall said.
Residents on social media commented that 'sending lads in all black painting green gel' raised 'questions and paranoia'.
While others joked that the council's reason 'sounds like the unconvincing excuse of an official body in an episode of Dr Who', and that 'the aliens are coming!'
In a statement, Wigan Council said: "Info for residents in Ashton: The council's contact centre is receiving calls from residents concerned about green gel on streets lights in the town and worried it could be connected to criminal activity.
"Please be reassured this is being used as part of ultrasound structural testing of the council’s lighting columns. The gel is completely harmless and routine for the work."
