Councillor questions value-for-money of LED street lights

Sheffield City Council announced they will be replacing Sheffield's street lights over the next five years, as part of the Streets Ahead project.

The new LED street lights will save energy, focus light more efficiently and reduce light pollution, making the stars more visible and reducing Sheffield's glow that can be seen from the Peak District.

Not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea, however. Some have criticised the Council for wasting money on technology that could be out-of-date in five years.

"Solar power will soon be a viable way of powering street lights," said Rob Murphy, Green Party councillor for Sheffield Central. "We may be in a situation where we're stuck with old fashioned lights for 25 years."

"The Green Party is also opposed to PFI and we will make sure the private contractor, Amey, will be taken to account to ensure they do their job properly."

by Alex Fenton-Thomas