‘Cultural vandalism’ to switch historic gas lamps for LEDS
A NET ZERO push to replace London’s historic gas lamps with LED replicas would represent cultural vandalism, senior Conservative MPS have warned.
Almost 100 lamps in the capital that do not have listed status are under threat as Westminster council seeks to insert eco-friendly lights. The local authority has claimed that replacing the lamps, which have illuminated London’s streets since 1812, would help it to achieve its 2030 carbon-neutral target.
However, campaigners including the Victorian Society, the London Gasketeers and senior politicians past and present want each light to be given a grade listing to prevent alterations.
Among them is Michael Portillo, the broadcaster and former Tory Cabinet minister, who said: “Of course you can make a case for efficiency and modernisation, but somebody has to make a case for heritage as well ... It may have a cost, in this case a small cost, but one I think is well worth paying.”
Sir Jacob Rees-mogg, the former Cabinet minister, said: “These lamps are part of Westminster’s heritage and removing them would be an act of vandalism to a picayune green advantage.”
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg of Westminster council said: “We understand that many people are as passionate as we are about the heritage of our city.
“We are waiting for the results of Historic England’s inspections of our unlisted gas lamps, and depending on their recommendations, we will only consider installing replacement lamps that meet the highest possible standards of historical authenticity.”