STREET LIGHTING BEING SWITCHED OFF

[Ann]

I am in absolute despair - our council have come round this morning and fiddled with the street lights in every street on our estate and slapped a notice on saying they are now on "part lighting" I rang County Hall and they said "after lengthy CONSULTATION (not with residents!) they had decided to do this to save money and switch them off completely (not just dim them) all over our very large estate, between 12.30am - 5.30am. I knew the scheme was being introduced but thought it was just for motorways etc and not residential areas. I am absolutely fuming and upset - we have already had 2 burglaries in our street. We have been very fortunate to have a street light directly opposite which lit up our bedroom which I loved as I am really terrified of the dark. What kind of light can we install outside which could be left on all night, which wouldn't cost the earth and would give me some peace of mind?

[redcrx]

can you not just buy a nighlight for your room?

[Ann]

I could leave a light on inside but want to protect our car and propert outside too...........

[Old_Geezer]

Those high efficiency bulbs should be cheapest, even if I'm not keen them, and don't believe the longevity claims.

Is the decision generally unpopular or is it just a few of you ? You could form an action group. Maybe write to your MP who, even if he doesn't have control in that area, can add their voice.

[redcrx]

get a security light put on outside of house, they turn on when the movement sensors activate. I dont see why you would need it on all night though.

[JoolsTwo]

For out side just google security lights - Here is one site:-

http://www.lightingby...ayXx6oCFUMf4QodjFaH0g

You can also buy plug in night light for the bedroom - we have one that is plgged in all the time. We don't have much lighting here and like you I don't like it too dark in the bedroom.

[Bobbisox]

Ann this is terrible, which Council is this?

[beattie819]

An outside light will provide some protection, make sure its a good bright one that is on sensor. We had people poking round several times, but now this light comes on we havent had any more problems. Also you can see whats going on out there if you do get prowlers.

[Ann]

Its Leicestershire County Council but I understand it is being done in all parts of the country. The customer service woman at county hall sounded surprised that I had complained - she said she had a few complaints "which could be counted on one hand" - I DON'T BELIEVE THAT!!! She said most people are positive as they prefer to sleep in the total darkness...... Ah well it must be me then, but I always have been scared of the dark and am getting worse as I get older.

[Bobbisox]

we haven't had any warning of impending 'lights out' up here Ann but I am sure it will happen

[Ann]

They want to take us back to the war years - blackouts! and my Mum who is in late 80s said is was really awful.

[craft1948]

You can't see the lights for the fog on the Tyne.......

[Bobbisox]

you could be right today craft, bloody awful weather today

[redcrx]

not blackouts are they?, you can pay for your own lighting and carry a torch.

[ummmm]

They've only turned off half of them in our street. I'm sleeping much better..

[LoftyLottie]

We have no streetlights whatsoever out here in the sticks and I love it. I just can't sleep with any light in a room.

Apart from that I think it is justified to switch off street lighting between 12.30 and 5.30am to save energy. Personally, I do not think street lighting saves burglaries, it just guides the way into peoples homes.

But as others have said you can fit an outside light to your home or have your own lampost if you wish and install it in your front garden.