Proposals to switch off street lights across Shropshire to save money and fight climate change have been met with a mixed reaction from civic and business leaders in the county.

Some say the move would make roads unsafe and increase the risk of crime, while others say it is common sense to reduce waste by switching some lights off in the early hours. Shropshire Council is considering fitting dimmer switches to some street lights.

Others could be turned off altogether.

The council is looking at introducing the measures under a plan committing to a 35 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint over the next five years.

Shirehall chiefs have also said the move would boost council coffers by reducing the amount of money spent on lighting.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said he was concerned at plans for a pilot scheme in the town.

He said: “The lights are necessary for security, safety and for motorists too. If they switch off some of the lights in the town centre it would render the CCTV system useless.”
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Councillor Peter Nutting, who sits on Shropshire and Shrewsbury town councils, called the move a “retrograde step”. He added: “The council has to look at all the options for saving money but I think the biggest problem would be deciding which lights get switched off and for how long.”

Dennis Bache, a parish councillor in Highley, near Bridgnorth, said the idea could see an end to young people congregating outside in lit areas after dark, but increase the risk of burglaries and thefts.

He added: “Street lights are a very important ingredient in people’s safety. I would think dimming the lights is a far better proposal than switching them off.

“But I don’t think it would save a great amount of money as you have to consider the cost of fitting the switches and studying all the options and working out where to do it.”

June Hoskins, vice chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said the public felt strongly about street lights and changes would need to be targeted at areas where the impact on safety and security would be limited.

She said: “There are people who say there are too many lights and that they don’t need to be on at 3am, but there are also those who ring us straight away to report faults, so it’s obviously of concern for them.

“I think it depends on where the lights are.”