Church Stretton 'welcomes' lights switch off

The people of Church Stretton have backed a scheme which has seen street lights switched off overnight, according to the town's mayor.

Councillor Bob Welch said he had received positive feedback from local people about the project, which came into force on Saturday. And he has claimed the move could help reduce the number of burglaries in the area as raiders would not be able to see opportunities to break into homes.

Street lights covering the Battlefield Estate and surrounding roads are being switched off between midnight and 5.30am every night in a bid to save cash and reduce carbon emissions.

It is part of a year-long pilot project which is also being trialled in Cleobury Mortimer and Ellesmere.