Light on the horizon
7:15am Thu Feb 02, 2012
Street lights in Bingham could be switched back on as part of a trial to restore lighting to parts of the town.
An 800-signature petition was presented to Nottinghamshire County Council last month calling for the lights to be switched back on.
They were turned off in an attempt to save money and reduce the council’s carbon footprint.
However, residents raised safety concerns over the move.
The petition organiser, Mrs Fiona Benning, of St Mary’s Road, has been asked to recommend which lights should be switched back on.
She has chosen to trial the estate where she lives, the Church Farm estate, so she can keep an eye on the difference the reinstated lighting makes.
She hopes to make her recommendations to the county council within the next few days and that it will then act on what she has proposed.
Mrs Benning met Mr Richard Jackson, the council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, along with Bingham town councillor, Mrs Alan Harvey, last week.
“As a result of the meeting it has been agreed to look at the possibility of switching back on lights at optimum points such as junctions or in cul-de-sacs,” said Mrs Benning.
“We want to reinstate one in three lights so effectively the council would still save money — just not as quickly.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and a positive step forward.
“It will keep the general public happy who, at the moment, do not feel safe in their communities as a result of being plunged into darkness overnight.”
Mrs Benning said Mr Harvey had been very supportive and that when Mr Martin Suthers, the town’s county councillor, presented the petition to the cabinet on the protesters’ behalf, he gave a succinct and balanced view.
Please note: If this is your first comment on the new system, you are required to verify your email address before your comment will appear.
