Posted on 8th Jan
Major improvement work to increase lighting in an area of Newark, improving visibility at night by more than double, has been described as a ‘breath of fresh air’.
Via East Midlands has upgraded 72 existing street lights with new, brighter LED lanterns in the Chatham Court and Lover’s Lane areas of Newark.
The works are part of a £500,000 Safer Streets partnership being delivered by Nottinghamshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire County Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Via East Midlands.
LED lights emit white light that gives improved colour rendering and can help with police identification and CCTV.
Feelings from locals of being unsafe after dark in the areas were previously highlighted and the new and improved lights have been welcomed by residents and councillors.
District council leader Coun David Lloyd said: “The new lighting is a breath of fresh air. We hope the new and improved lighting will provide residents with some much-needed reassurance.
“The higher level of luminance combines with the other additional security measures that we’re putting in place through the project.”
Through the scheme, street lights are being replaced by Via East Midlands (for Nottinghamshire County Council) in the Chatham Court, Albert Street, Castle Brewery Court, Eldon Street, Hardwick Avenue, Harewood Avenue, Princes Street, Rufford Avenue, Southend Avenue and Spring Gardens areas of Newark, with further improvements being assessed.
Co Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “Our street lighting team has used the latest technology to upgrade these street lights, as part of this important phase of the overall partnership project.
“It is a vital investment for the area as it will help residents feel safer by improving visibility on local streets.”
Clare Murden, street lighting project lead for Via East Midlands, said: “Via is excited to be involved in the Newark Safer Streets Project. It’s great to work together with the other agencies to help make the project a success and make a difference to a local community.”
A package of measures, including new ANPR and CCTV cameras, increased cycle security and environmental improvements, are under way.
New cycle storage facilities in the two areas are being installed and free high quality GPS trackers are being handed out to residents living in the vicinity.
A Community Hub is also being established to house a warden-type service to provide a single point of contact for residents to easily access support, advice and assistance.
