The guiding light of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse won't be shining this week as repairs are being carried out on the Southampton landmark.

Marine and Ports director Francis Richardson said yesterday: "Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is currently not operational as technical staff are carrying out maintenance and repairs on the horizontal and vertical rollers that align the rotating prism.

"All of the necessary notices to mariners have been disseminated and we expect to have the repairs completed and the lighthouse operational by Monday."

Harbour Radio confirmed that it had been warning boaters of work at the lighthouse.

"We put out a navigational warning, which is a pretty standard thing to do," a spokesperson said.

"I know that they're working on it. To my understanding, it's been out for about two days, but we haven't run into any problems."

While the lighthouse may not be operational until next week, the attraction is still open for visitors, as is the on-site gift shop and restaurant.