Tories Dismiss Calls for Cross Party Cooperation on Street Lighting

The local Liberal Democrats have been raising concerns over cuts to street lighting across the County, especially in urban areas. With over £0.7m cut so far by turning lights off after midnight there are now concerns that a further £1m of planned cuts could leave some places without lighting altogether. Nightfall can come as early as 5pm during winter evenings, so evening street lighting is a particular priority.

At Wednesday's County Council meeting the Conservatives moved a notice of motion to defend their policy on switching off street lights and dismiss concerns and criticisms of it as "scaremongering".

An attempt was made by Cllr David Bill to amend the motion so to call for the protection of street lighting during evening hours and for a cross party panel to investigate solutions, but was rejected by the Tory councillors.

After the meeting, Cllr David Bill said, "We are trying to find a solution to what is a very difficult situation. The County Council is set to reduce the street lighting budget by a further £1m and the Tories are yet to re-assure us that lighting during evening hours will be protected.

We want to see resources used so that as much new technology can be applied as possible to keep our streets safe."

The Liberal Democrats will continue fighting to protect street lighting.
If you'd like to help us protect street lighting in your area, please sign our petition.