Councillor calls on residents to report faulty lamp posts
Street light problems that have sparked safety fears will be tackled, a councillor has pledged.
Cathy McEwan has called for action to brighten roads and pavements left in the dark during an £11million lamppost upgrade.
She insists “poor quality” lighting has led to safety fears over the last two years.
The local authority’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board convener has vowed to improve dimly-lit pockets, which have left pedestrians feeling vulnerable.
Councillor McEwan, who represents the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward, said: “Renfrewshire Council is nearing completion of an £11million contract to install new LED lights, which aim to cut not only energy costs, but CO2 emissions.
“We need to make sure that we do not repeat the failures of the past two years by not providing effective and adequate street lighting for all in our communities.
“There have been many complaints that some of the new lights are not bright enough, and leave too many dark spaces between lampposts.
“If any residents are aware of faulty street lights, or are concerned that the new LED lights are not bright enough, then I would encourage them to report this to the council.
“I know it seems strange asking people in June to check if their street lights are working properly, but I am determined to sort out the problem before it gets too dark.
“The LED lights help to cut down on the cost of the electricity used by the council, reducing carbon emissions, but the priority is to make sure that residents of Renfrewshire are not left feeling vulnerable in any poorly-lit street.
“I want to ensure that Renfrewshire residents do not have to experience the same problems of poor-quality street lighting that we had to suffer during the last two winters.”
The LED lamp posts will help cut carbon emissions by up to 60 per cent, while the local authority’s electricity bill for the lights will be reduced by around the same amount.
The council says it will carry out a review of lighting levels when the project has been completed.
The probe is expected to get underway over the summer months, allowing adjustments to be made by winter.
Cash for any fixes would come from the existing capital investment budget.
Residents can call the council on 0300 300 0300 to report lighting faults.