The second phase of a trial to cut carbon emissions and costs, by switching off some street lights in Wilmslow, is under way. However, instead of switching off all the lights in the neighbourhood as planned, the decision has been taken to only switch every other one off.
Having looked at schemes introduced by other local authorities, Cheshire East announced they would be switching off 80% of the lights for 4 weeks and follow this by a second 4 week trial during which all of the lights in the area would be switched off.
Instead, it was decided that from Tuesday, March 1st, only 50% of street lights will be switched off between, approximately, 11pm and 6am on Thorngrove Road, Thorngrove Hill, Thorngrove Drive, Longmeade Gardens, Land Lane, Cragside Way, Burnside Close, Leaside Way, Glenside Drive and Croftside Way.
Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove took the decision to conduct the trial in his own neighbourhood. Over the past four weeks, a number of face-to-face surveys have been carried out with local residents, to gauge opinion and answer any queries.
Councillor Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: "The responses received from the pre-switch off questionnaires posted back were roughly 50% for and 50% against. Therefore we have changed the second 4 week to a lesser switch off trial of every other lamp.
"Last week we had door step interviewers asking residents their responses after experiencing the first 4 weeks 80% switch off. They knocked on every door in the area in the late afternoon and early evening but inevitably some people were not in. I do not know the numbers yet but the interviewers say that responses are favourable.
"Essex and Gloucester have had switch offs for more than a year and have seen no increases in crime or road traffic accidents. So the reality is that there are no adverse effects but understandably, some residents will fear that there will be.
"We do need to reduce carbon emissions and electricity consumption and costs but are seeking to find a solution that residents are comfortable with. The next 4 weeks will tells us whether or not we have found that solution."
Councillor Menlove added "I would like to thank my neighbours and residents in the other streets involved, for taking the time to give the survey team constructive feedback. A project like this can not work without the understanding of those affected.
"This authority will continue to look at all ways to improve the Cheshire East environment. Switching off some street lights, at certain times of the evening, reduces carbon emissions and saves thousands of pounds."
Several local residents have expressed their strong disapproval of the pilot scheme though. Many householders have reacted angrily and raised concerns regarding the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.
One resident from Glenside Drive, said "The whole thing seems to have been a unnecessary waste of time and money to me and now we have a U turn.
"The Councils decision is made all the more disappointing because of the complete lack of consultation with residents first. I do hope the council will learn from this and remember that residents are the employers here and that they should spend their energy, and my money, on more sensible initiatives like sweeping the streets and repairing pot holes, for example."
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