Nov 29, 2007
Standard of street lighting in Reading is not up to scratch – Lib Dems call for review of poor street lighting
Reading Lib Dems have welcomed long overdue plans to upgrade outdated street lighting but urge the Council to go further and review lighting across the town in areas such as the University area and South Reading.
Daisy Benson, Lib Dem Councillor for Redlands ward and Safer Communities Spokesperson has today called on the Council to extend their plans and improve lighting around the University area to address ‘legitimate safety concerns’.
“Students and residents have often told me how unsafe they feel walking in the streets around the University because the Council has used the old-fashioned ‘orange glow’ low pressure sodium lighting. Lighting in parts of East and South Reading is also badly in need of an overhaul.
The Council must review lighting in these areas and upgrade it for better, more energy efficient lighting.”
Bob Green, Leader of the Lib Dem Group on Reading Borough Council will raise the issue at Cabinet meeting on 3 December:
Bob said:
“The Council has finally admitted street lighting in parts of Reading is not up to scratch. Poor lighting contributes to fear of crime, and adds to the Council’s carbon footprint. It is important that the Council’s review involves ward councillors who work closely with local residents and are well aware of where the problem areas are.”
Sally Pearman, President of Reading University Students’ Union said:
“I’m so pleased that the Council are looking at the issue of lighting in Reading. I would urge them to extend their review of lighting to the roads around Campus. Whether it’s because of lectures, socialising, clubs or part time jobs students are always out and about in the evenings and any move to make Reading safer at night would be greatly appreciated by all of us.”
Cllr Gareth Epps, Parliamentary Campaigner for Reading East said the time to get streetlights fixed seems to be going up.
Gareth said: “Reading residents seem to be getting a bad deal from the Council’s contract. Too many lights in Reading are simply not working and do not repaired quick enough. This review must include plans to get better value for money for local tax payers.”
Editor’s Notes:
- RBC has launched a public lighting renewals programme. Details can be found on the RBC website – here
- The areas under the review (which do not include the University area) are listed on the RBC website – here
