A new policy has been agreed to help keep the 19,450 street lights burning in Westmorland & Furness.
Previously, the area’s former district councils developed different ways to manage street lighting in Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland – some were looked after by town and parish councils while others were managed by the district authorities.
The districts merged to become Westmorland & Furness Council and its cabinet has now agreed to bring in a more consistent approach.
In Eden and South Lakeland, town and parish councils are responsible for the maintenance of 790 lighting columns.
Under the new policy, those town and parish councils will be offered the opportunity to transfer the maintenance responsibilities and associated costs to Westmorland & Furness Council.
Wherever feasible, under the new policy, lights will be upgraded to the latest LED technology, to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and light pollution, the council said.
Where lighting has been removed or disconnected due to legacy lighting policies in the former district council areas, requests for lighting to be reinstated will be considered based on new criteria, it added.
It said: “The policy aims to ensure consistent and efficient lighting across the whole of Westmorland and Furness, while simplifying the approach for residents to report any issues.
“The approach will enhance the after-dark safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, while reducing the risk of accidents and crime.”
