Shropshire Star

'Shambles' claim over Market Drayton lights switch-off consultation

A consultation over the decision to turn off a Shropshire town's street lights has been described as an "absolute shambles" by town councillors.

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People living in Market Drayton have voiced concerns about walking around town at night, as parts are plunged into darkness from midnight until 5.30am.

Last night at the town's council meeting, councillor David Minnery, chairman of Market Drayton Town Council, said: "There was a promise that we would be consulted before the lights were turned off but that consultation never happened.

"It has been an absolute shambles. Why are buildings such as the library, swimming pool and schools fully lit and the pavements around the town are in complete darkness?"

Councillor Roger Hughes said the town council needed full details, methodology and consultation replies before they could have any more discussions.

He said: "We have to except the lights are going out, but we needed a consultation first. We now need to establish the facts before we do anymore."

Councillors voted unanimously to obtain further information before fully discussing the issue.

The initiative, designed by Shropshire Council to save costs, is under way across the county with about 12,500 street lights in the process of being converted to part-night lighting.

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