LED lights get a knock-back
Residents in a Cambuslang housing estate are up in arms after they claimed a council-run lamppost repair programme has left their streets in darkness.
South Lanarkshire Council are replacing old sodium bulbs with energy efficient LED lights – to save money and cut carbon emissions.
But residents have blasted the scheme claiming safety is at risk and children are frightened to play in the streets as there is so little light.
It’s understood the street lights are too bright when pointed at houses.
As a result, residents in Halfway’s Gate Side Park estate are furious that bulbs only shine on the road, leaving pavements and driveways in virtual darkness.
Laura Sweeten, who lives in the estate, has complained to the council about the issue.
She said: “They have not been able to carry out a full assessment but they will be round and take a look at it.
“But they said the new LED lights are, apparently, more energy-efficient and cost saving, and should be at the same level of light.
“I’m all for LED and energy efficiency, and money saving, but not when your property safety has been compromised.
“Normally the children who live here would all go out and play.
“But my son was out the other night and I wanted to pull him in.
“You can’t see, you can only see the street area.
“Being out on your own you don’t feel safe.
“It’s quite intimidating and eerie lighting.”
Lynn Hamilton, who lives in the area, said she wouldn’t go out alone with the new, low-lighting.
“The lights are useless,” she added. “I wouldn’t like to be walking up here late at night.”
Other residents, however, believe the council are doing the right thing to save money.
One resident, who would not be named, said: “The new LED lighting has proven to be very cost-effective, and is in line with doing our bit for climate change as discussed at global summits.
“It’s not the council’s obligation to ensure that street light illuminate your car or property.”
Walter Brogan, councillor for Cambuslang East, confirmed he had numerous complaints from residents.
He said: “There are recognised issues with the new lighting that are impacting several areas of Cambuslang East and beyond.
“I am waiting on a technical explanation. The street lighting issues are that they don’t cover a wide enough range or they are too bright when pointed to houses. Other communities and councillors are raising concerns.”
James Kelly MSP has also been contacted, and he said: “I’m glad to see work being done to introduce better lighting to Gate Side Park but there are a few issues which I know of.
“I’ve been in contact with local councillors and residents and I hope that a resolution can be reached soon.”
South Lanarkshire Council’s head of roads and transportation, Gordon Mackey, said: “We’ve embarked on a £19.5m street lighting investment programme, with £6.2m being spent this year on installing approximately 30,000 LED units and other improvements.
“We will be monitoring the effects of introducing LED lighting on our roads with respect to any accidents occurring during the hours of darkness.
“We can also readily check lighting levels if members of the public have any concerns about the new lighting at specific locations.”