Street lighting plans

Work to replace dozens of street lights on a road in Bridge of Weir is expected to begin next month – if a deal is given the green light tomorrow, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

A contract for the installation of 48 new columns with energy efficient LED lanterns in Prieston Road will go before the finance, resources and customer services policy board.

If approved, an agreement – worth in excess of £200,000 – will see Pegasus Power and Communications take on the project.

Councillor James MacLaren, a Conservative representative for the village, commented: “Street lighting has been an issue right throughout the winter. We’ve got dark streets everywhere and people are constantly complaining about it.

“I’ve got an issue with LED lighting. I had a question at the audit, risk and scrutiny board about it and whether it’s actually doing the job that people expect it to do.

“I don’t think it gives as much light as the sodium lights used to do. We’ll probably take that forward in the autumn time to analyse it.

“But these works on Prieston Road are a step in the right direction. They are welcome, although I thought it was in hand anyway.”

A report to the finance board explained: “The council requires a suitably experienced and qualified contractor to assist with the installation of 48 new street lighting columns with new energy efficient LED lanterns within Prieston Road, Bridge of Weir.

“The works will also include the installation of underground cabling with associated ducting and trenching for each of the new street lighting columns and the removal of the existing columns and lanterns.”

The works are anticipated to commence on Wednesday, May 8 and be complete by Wednesday, July 3.

However, the dates will be confirmed in the council’s letter of acceptance.

Councillors on the board will now be asked to authorise the head of corporate governance to award the contract and its value of £214,368, excluding VAT, to Pegasus Power and Communications.