Aycliffe Councillor Explains Position
Dear Sir,
Can I on behalf of your local Durham County Councillors offer our apologies for not responding sooner to Ms Jones and the other resident’s concerns about the newly installed energy efficient street lighting? Residents can contact us direct and one of us would respond accordingly. It is our intention to contact Ms Jones’ and take up her invitation to view the CCTV footage and review her concerns.
In response to her concerns we would like to explain the council’s position. Durham County Council (DCC) did carry out a full public consultation exercise prior to the installation of the new Energy Reduction Project. The Project involves the introduction of low energy British Standard LED street lighting, an energy reduction scheme, the removal of specified columns and a change to fluorescent road signs. However, it is worth noting that public responses to the consultation were minimal and a small number of objections were received.
Being honest and direct to the issues raised by Ms Jones and others, it is unlikely the Council will change its project aim. The Council has now embarked on implementing their energy reduction project which will be rolled out over the next 6 years. This will ensure that we can reduce our annual energy lighting consumption by 76%, saving on the Council budget of £24m over 25 years; reduce the overall maintenance bill by 19%; help us meet our commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon foot-print by 73% on its lighting. The reduction in operating costs on energy use per unit is substantial. Also, the existing sodium lighting costs are £38.41 per unit to replace them and only last approx. 4 years, whereas the new LED lighting cost is £9.13 per unit that have a 25 year life span.
It’s worth offering a little background, if you are not already aware, is that the present coalition Government has applied draconian austerity measures, they continue to slash public spending and now Durham County Council need to cut a further £220m from its already depleted budget. Therefore, this effective and important energy saving measure will support cost reduction as well as protecting the environment. This off-course is just one of many cost reduction projects that will need to be rolled out in the coming months and years, and as others might say, ‘every little bit helps’ towards protecting essential council services to the most vulnerable in our community.
In days of plenty the council had the budget to fund street lighting that projected beyond the public footpath and highways. Those days have now gone and DCC have taken the pro-active approach to reduce its costs and improve its energy consumption to deliver efficient and effective street lighting which still meet essential legal responsibilities to light essential footpaths and highways at the same time to reduce light spillage and pollution. Yes, there may be an impact on home security with additional cost on residents who may choose to install their own lighting, and yes this could have an impact on their carbon footprint but reflect on this, which Governmental body is forcing you to make that choice, it’s not Durham County Council.
Therefore, do you still believe that the council tax payer should contribute towards lighting up individual driveways, protect individual homes, to provide light for individuals CCTV, gardens and front doors whilst at the same time cut back on vital services for the whole community?  Or, is it the right thing to improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure the footpaths and highways are appropriately lit and at the same time keep the council tax stable and services working, you decide!
In the coming months the Councils Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the Environment has an opportunity to review feedback and to study objective evidence gathered from local communities on the initial installation. Therefore, you have an opportunity to raise your concerns and also, your local County Councillors shall endeavour to protect those vital services and take decisions that reflect and benefit the whole community of Great Aycliffe.
On behalf of your Labour Party Durham County Councillors
Cllr Eddy Adam
Aycliffe West Division
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