NEW LED street lights have been installed in Nunney Road, Frome, to replace some lights that stopped working in December.
The street lights were out of action from early December until the middle of January, when Scottish Southern Energy Network fixed an underground cable failure. Experiencing less street lighting for several weeks caused some safety concerns among residents.
Now, the road is lit with new LED street lighting that Somerset County Council say is more energy efficient. This follows other LED street lighting that has been installed across the town.
A spokesperson from Somerset County Council said, “LED lights are used as they considerably reduce are energy consumption and carbon footprint. Somerset County Council eventually will be replacing all our street lights with LED, to ensure we meet our 2030 carbon commitment. On average, each LED [light] installed saves approximately 56% energy consumption, which in turn reduces our carbon footprint.”
However, LED lighting has not proved popular in all Frome areas. Last March, there were complaints after LED street lights were installed in the Keyford area. One resident complained about being unable to sleep at night due to the brightness of the lights; the aesthetics of the lights that were not in-keeping with the conservation area; and about the affect the lights may have for bats and other species.
Somerset County Council agreed to install shields to the street lights and said, “The main beam of the new lights is focused onto the ground, with minimal spill/light pollution and with a reduction in sky glow. We have consulted with Somerset Ecology Services and they have confirmed non-light sensitive bats can use the street lighting as a source of food, as their prey gather around the light.
“However, if residents do feel their property is being impacted by stray light, they are welcome to contact us and if needed, we can install shielding where appropriate.”
Issues with street lights can be reported to Somerset County Council, who will inform callers whether the lights are managed by Somerset County Council or Mendip District Council, who have responsibility for some street lights in car parks, parks and play areas not owned by Frome Town Council.
Sharing whether there is a plan to change over the lighting to LED in the Mendip District Council-owned areas, a spokesperson from Mendip District Council said, “With regard to LED units, the policy is to install LED when an existing unit is irreparable, but there are no plans for wholesale changeover at the present time.”
Ring Somerset County Council on 0845 601 0939 Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Or visit the Frome Town Council website for more information, frometowncouncil.gov.uk/council/somerset-county-council/street-lights/
