Via East Midlands shine light on issues at Chatham Court and Lover’s Lane areas of Newark

Major improvement work to increase lighting in two areas of Newark has improved visibility at night by more than double, it has been claimed.

Via East Midlands upgraded 72 existing street lighting with new, brighter LED lanterns in the Chatham Court and Lover’s Lane areas of Newark.

The work was part of the £500,000 Safer Streets partnership being delivered by Nottinghamshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire County Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Via East Midlands.

Residents had reported feeling unsafe in those areas after dark.

“We hope the new and improved lighting will provide residents with some much-needed reassurance,” said district council leader David Lloyd.

“The higher level of luminance, combined with the other additional security measures that we are putting in place through the project, the safer we can make residents and deter the perpetrators of crime.”

Through the scheme, street lights are being replaced by Via East Midlands, a company owned by Nottinghamshire County Council, in the Chatham Court, Albert Street, Castle Brewery Court, Eldon Street, Hardwick Avenue, Harewood Avenue, Princes Street, Rufford Avenue, Southend Avenue and Spring Gardens areas of Newark, with further improvements being assessed.

John Handley, vice-chairman of the county council’s communities and place committee, said: “Our street lighting team has used the latest technology to upgrade these street lights, as part of this important phase of the overall partnership project.

“It is a vital investment for the area as it will help residents feel safer by improving visibility on local streets.”

Clare Murden, street lighting project lead for Via East Midlands, said: “Via is excited to be involved in the Newark Safer Streets Project. It’s great to work together with the other agencies to help make the project a success and make a difference to a community.”

The project also includes new CCTV and automatic number plate recognition cameras, increased cycle security, and environmental improvements.

New cycle storage facilities are being installed and free high quality GPS trackers are being handed out to residents.

The grant has also paid for a burglary reduction officer, PCSO Ellie Smalley, who is working with the community to introduce measures, such as new locks, improved lighting and CCTV security systems.

A community hub is also being established with work due to start to house a warden-type service to provide a single point of contact for residents to easily access support, advice and assistance.