A reader wrote in recently detailing the impact an invasive security light was having on her ability to get a good night’s sleep – over a four-year period. Unfortunately her neighbour refused to adjust or change the location of the light. Paul Stack, a solicitor at P&G Stack Solicitors, helpfully outlined the legal situation and potential remedies open to her, including mediation, going the legal route and even moving. Blackout curtains or blinds were also put forward as an option.

This prompted reader Tony McGowan in Leitrim to contact us. He very kindly went so far as to " road test" his blackout blinds. He wrote: "I used to have a problem with summer sunshine waking me up at dawn. I installed heavy-lined curtains but light came in around the sides and curtain rail. I then installed a blackout blind from Bloc blinds and eliminated the problem. The other night I drove my car around to the window and had someone switch on\off the lights and inside I could not tell the difference between on and off. These blinds come in a metal cassette, have metal guide tracks down each side and let no light whatsoever through the material or at the edges. It's just important to specify the blackout material when ordering as they do other material as well."

Many thanks to Tony for going to the trouble and sending in his feedback. Coincidentally, Bloc blinds, who are based in Magherafelt, Co Derry, won the manufacturing category in The Irish Times Innovation Awards in 2016. For further information see blocblinds.ie