A COUNCIL has said it could remove some street lights as part of a county-wide review, while others could also be turned off for some of the night.

Powys County Council, which is responsible for services in Hay-on-Wye, Knighton and Presteigne on the Herefordshire border, said it had no plans to turn off large numbers of street lights, but didn't rule out switching off some.

Following the council's most recent finance scrutiny meeting, plans for future efficiencies had been widely discussed, it said.

A cost-saving attributed to street lighting was highlighted in the meeting, but, the council insisted that the saving would be achieved by using new, low energy solutions.

Cabinet member for highways Coun Heulwen Hulme said: “The provision of street lighting is non-statutory for local authorities; however, Powys County Council appreciate that it is a critical service for residents and communities and, as such, have committed to a redesign of the service."

The county-wide redesign would involve reviewing all street lights to access their social, environmental and safety factors, and determine if the lights could be converted to a part night, part night dimmed lanterns or, in rare cases, removed.

The council said some lights that had been switched off could be turned back on in "priority areas", but some would be removed if deemed necessary.

The work was said to include a commitment to further capital investment by updating ageing infrastructure, such as installing new columns and signs, plus trenching and laying new cables.

The council said it would increase the longevity of the lights and makes them more affordable to run and maintain.

Coun Hulme added: “The re-design to the lighting service is being carried out in full consultation with the town and community councils as we move into each area of the county in turn.

“Along with making the lighting service more efficient to run with low energy costs, these changes will also significantly reduce our carbon footprint and improve our environmental and social impact and promote public safety and well-being.”