Today’s full council meeting saw a long and emotionally charged debate about the councils current policy for switching off 2 in 3 street lights outside non core areas.

 The decision, which was taken by the councils board in July had triggered numerous complaints from across the County. This led to there being two motions to council today, one from the Liberal Democrat Group and one from the Conservatives.

The motions were discussed and many councillors raised the issues of public safety, the perception of danger and serious concerns for the elderly and vulnurable in our communities.

After much discussion the Liberal Democrat Group and the Conservatives agreed on a joint motion to council. TAn ammendment supporting the switch off was then proposed and seconded by two independent members.

This ammendment was then put to the vote and unfortunatley it was supported by a majority of the council, being voted for by 38 votes to 25 in favour of continuing with the current switch off programme.

 I am very dissapointed by this decision. I have made it clear that I am not against switching off lights where they are not needed, but I feel that the current 2 in 3 lights process is causing residents great distress and numerous safety issues.

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