ONE of the most talked about policies in the last four years is up for discussion again as the county election approaches.
In September 2010, Notts County Council started a four year programme of altering street lighting to cut 25 per cent from its lighting bill – making a saving of £1.25 million a year.
However, the policy split the main political parties and the outcome of the election – being held on May 2 – could mean the difference between the lights coming back on or staying off for another four years.
And resident Penney Poyzer of Patrick Road West Bridgford said: "I think when it comes to turning off street lights it should be a matter of safety first.
"If it is not suitable to turn off a light in an area the council should look at installing an LED light like the one outside my house.
"They save both money and energy compared to the traditional lights.
"The question must be, how many people are using the area when they are off and what are the risks?"
The LED lights are being trialled in four streets across the county and could offer a solution, but as it stands, the Conservatives remain committed to the switch-off.
Conservative councillor, Richard Jackson, portfolio holder for transport and highways, said: "The programme is currently in place in 37 areas across the county and we have only seen a slight increase in two of those which is not a pattern.
"There have been no increases in accidents either.
"We are only part way through the scheme and we are looking at rolling it out to the rest of the county in the next 18 months.
"We are not plunging people into complete darkness because there are still some lights on."
Labour leader Alan Rhodes said: "We have always been against these lights being switched off.
"Most of us don't become victims of crime in our lives but we still like to feel safe.
"If we get voted in we will turn the lights back on.
"We need to be investing in LED Lighting which makes savings and also reduces our carbon footprint.
"It is difficult to say from where at the minute but we will keep the lights on."
Liberal Democrat leader Jason Zadrozny said: "I think we would have gone about the turning off of street lights in a very different way than the Conservatives have done. The main difference is that we would have actually spoken to communities more and found out what they think before making decisions. From talking to people on the doorstep, there are some people who want their lights off, some who want their lights staying on and some that don't mind and we need to represent that as best as possible.
"It is true that money needs to be saved and this is one way of doing it, but if we were part of any administration, we would push for quality consultation on any changes."
