Colchester could have its street lights switched back on after Councillors announced new plans to end the controversial scheme earlier this month.
The plans, which come as a response to pressures from County Hall, mimic similar moves by Tendring and Harlow Councils, both of which volunteered to pay the cost of keeping the lights on with their own money.
In an attempt to cut costs by an estimated £130,000 a year, Essex County Council plunged towns and cities in the county into darkness from midnight to 5am in late 2013, turning off seven in ten street lights on designated streets.
If the proposition is accepted, Colchester Borough Council could set aside £120,000 for investment into the scheme’s end.
Addressing officials at a meeting earlier this month, Dave Harris, councillor for the Berechurch borough of Colchester, appeared to set the plans in motion. Pressing the panel for answers, he pointed to the steep rise in anti-social behaviour and crime since the scheme’s inception. He urged Colchester to follow the actions of smaller councils.
Speaking to The Gazette, he said:
“I am very hopeful we will follow the lead of Tendring and Harlow. It is undeniable that it [street lights being turned off] has had an effect on the town”.
The news comes shortly after an Uxbridge-born pedestrian, formally identified as Nick Sherwood, was killed in a traffic collision in St Andrew’s Avenue on 8 February. The 25-year-old was walking close to the University campus in the early hours of the morning.
Responding to students’ concerns about the town’s street lights, the Students’ Union held a ‘Lights Forum’ on Thursday 19 February. Jessica Rich, who has recently been elected as Vice President for Welfare and Community for the upcoming academic year, feels positive about the plans. She said:
“The forum went very well and I feel we are making progress. We hope we can work alongside the council and make positive steps towards making the town a safer place.”
Sam French, Equality and Diversity Officer, elaborated on the results of the Lights Forum at the Student Representative Forum last week. He announced plans for a Day of Action on campus with a flashmob, something organisers hope to discuss with the Vice-Chancellor in the near future.
Alamy/Telegraph
Breakthrough council plans could relight Colchester’s streets | The Rabbit Newspaper
Colchester could have its street lights switched back on after Councillors announced new plans to end the controversial scheme earlier this month.
The plans, which come as a response to pressures from County Hall, mimic similar moves by Tendring and Harlow Councils, both of which volunteered to pay the cost of keeping the lights on with their own money.
In an attempt to cut costs by an estimated £130,000 a year, Essex County Council plunged towns and cities in the county into darkness from midnight to 5am in late 2013, turning off seven in ten street lights on designated streets.
If the proposition is accepted, Colchester Borough Council could set aside £120,000 for investment into the scheme’s end.
Addressing officials at a meeting earlier this month, Dave Harris, councillor for the Berechurch borough of Colchester, appeared to set the plans in motion. Pressing the panel for answers, he pointed to the steep rise in anti-social behaviour and crime since the scheme’s inception. He urged Colchester to follow the actions of smaller councils.
Speaking to The Gazette, he said:
“I am very hopeful we will follow the lead of Tendring and Harlow. It is undeniable that it [street lights being turned off] has had an effect on the town”.
The news comes shortly after an Uxbridge-born pedestrian, formally identified as Nick Sherwood, was killed in a traffic collision in St Andrew’s Avenue on 8 February. The 25-year-old was walking close to the University campus in the early hours of the morning.
Responding to students’ concerns about the town’s street lights, the Students’ Union held a ‘Lights Forum’ on Thursday 19 February. Jessica Rich, who has recently been elected as Vice President for Welfare and Community for the upcoming academic year, feels positive about the plans. She said:
“The forum went very well and I feel we are making progress. We hope we can work alongside the council and make positive steps towards making the town a safer place.”
Sam French, Equality and Diversity Officer, elaborated on the results of the Lights Forum at the Student Representative Forum last week. He announced plans for a Day of Action on campus with a flashmob, something organisers hope to discuss with the Vice-Chancellor in the near future.
Alamy/Telegraph