Old Town to trial new street lamps

Nearly and a third less energy used and marked reduction of light pollution. Opinions will be canvassed.

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

There is to be a trial run for energy saving street lamps in Old Town. Residents of Westfield, Old Town could be getting a better view of the stars next week when new LED street lamps are on trial in the village. The lighting is to be installed on Monday 12 October.

LED street lamps use around 30% less energy than the standard type of street lighting in use and produce a marked reduction in light pollution by targeting light onto the highway.

The new type of lamps will last for about 10 years compared to three years for conventional lamps.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment said: “The street lighting service is one of the largest users of electricity at the Council so it is important that we explore all options to help reduce the cost and the environmental impact of lighting across Calderdale. We would welcome the views of local people on the new lighting and will be supplying a questionnaire so residents can provide their feedback.”

The work will cause minimal disruption as the new lamps will be fitted to the existing columns.

The new lamps are to be supplied by a local company, Insight Energy Creation of Hebden Bridge.

If the trial proves successful then other schemes will be implemented and closely monitored.

Above: light pollution is one of the themes in this children's environmental mystery by Andrew Bibby. More info