Dragons' Den contestant's idea to save street lighting cash

A Dragons' Den contestant who hails from south Shropshire claims councils could save thousands of pounds in street lighting costs without having to switch them off at night.

Vernon Kerswell, 22, an inventor and former Church Stretton School student, says photovoltaic cells and wind turbines could be placed on top of street lamps to power lights at a fraction of the existing cost.

He has been inspired after seeing similar lamps spring up across cities in China, where he has been promoting his gadgets and toys.

Mr Kerswell, whose family live at Picklescott, near Church Stretton, said he was keen to speak to Shropshire Council about the idea.

Shirehall staff have launched a pilot project to switch off street lights overnight in Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer and Ellesmere to make savings.

He said: "I've been looking at this for the past two-and-a-half years and while I was in China running my toy business I saw hybrid solar and wind panels. It's extremely cost-effective and low maintenance."

It is believed the project could save Shropshire Council up to £70,000 a year.

Shropshire Council spokesman Simon Alton said: "Shropshire Council is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 35 per cent over the next four years and we are happy to look at the viability of any proposals to help achieve this."

Mr Kerswell appeared on Dragons' Den last year.

He sought £75,000 of investment in exchange for 15 per cent equity in his business Extreme Fliers Toys.

But the entrepreneur left empty-handed after his pitch was derailed by problems over the patenting of his products – twin-rotor remote-controlled helicopter toys.