The County Council has published plans to switch off most street lighting between 12 midnight and 5.30am in the Houghton on the Hill. This is the latest village to be chosen for “part-night lighting” in the area I represent following approval of the Energy Reduction policy about 2 years ago. The main driver for the policy is that it will result in annual savings of up to £700,000 and will contribute towards the Council’s carbon reduction targets.     

The consultation being undertaken by the Council is mainly aimed statutory service providers and the parish council but as your County Councillor, I would like to know what you think about these proposals. These changes have already been implemented in Thurnby, Bushby and Scraptoft and although there were few objections at the time, just recently a number of residents have contacted me raising concerns about particular lights being switched off.

As the decision to roll out part-night lighting across the whole of Leicestershire has already been taken by the Council, it means that the consultation is limited to which lights should be left on around junctions and speed tables etc. A plan of the Council’s proposals for Houghton can be found at :

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/highways/road_pathway_maintenance/street_lighting/lighting_scheme.htm

(click on part-night lighting then Harborough District).

This shows every street light in the village maintained by the Council and how it will be affected by the changes. If you have any problems accessing the information or would prefer a paper copy please contact me using the email address above or phone 0116 2432211.

This consultation is an opportunity to ensure that important street lights are left on at key locations in the village but I need to submit any representations to the Council by 4th December so please let me know if you have any concerns before then. 

I understand the Council intends to publish proposals for Stoughton, Tilton, Skeffington and Hallaton shortly so watch this space for more details of how it will affect these villages.