A welcome for new street lights

TWO Culcheth councillors have welcomed the first phase of a new street lighting scheme which they say will benefit the village.
Street lights on Cranwell Avenue are the first to be replaced under Warrington Borough Council’s ‘Invest to Save’ initiative – a programme of works which will see every street light across the borough upgraded or replaced over three years.
Councillors Matt Smith and Chris Vobe have welcomed the first phase beginning in Culcheth.
Cllr Smith said: “There is no doubt that the condition and quality of our street lights remains one of the top priorities amongst residents that I speak to. There is a real need for our lights to be upgraded, as many of the columns are over 40 years old and are drastically inefficient.
“Street lighting also impacts on people’s personal safety and good quality lighting helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. That is why the council’s ‘Invest to Save’ scheme makes good sense – it allows for our lighting to be upgraded without cost to the taxpayer in the long term.
“Cranwell Avenue is the first street to benefit from these works, but it certainly won’t be the last. The works there are an indication that the upgrades in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft have begun and many more will follow in the coming months.”
Cllr Vobe added: “Matt and I have pressed for our community to be moved up the queue for many months now. Street lighting is a priority for people here.
“We are now in a position whereby our lights will be significantly improved by 2015, something which will come as a great relief to many people.
“Matt and I welcome this scheme and will be closely monitoring the way it is implemented. We will be listing the areas of the village most in need of upgrades and working to ensure that the worst-affected streets benefit first.”