Shrewsbury riverside lighting upgrade is praised

Shrewsbury Town Council has installed eight lighting columns along the River Severn in the Castlefields area following a review.

The town's mayor, and the council leader, have both said the lights – which are between the Weir and the English Bridge – would make the riverside safer and more pleasant for people.

Councillor Alan Mosley, ward member for Castlefields and Ditherington, and leader of the council, said: "Local residents and other users seem to be delighted with the impact of the project. Our initial investment has been money very well spent and there will be long term savings on running costs and maintenance. The lighting makes the riverside a much more pleasant and safer place to be in the evening."

Councillor Miles Kenny, mayor of Shrewsbury, added: "The improved lighting makes a huge difference. I, and a lot of my constituents, use the towpath on foot or on bike and it's much easier at night. I have to add that the town council made the decision to install the improved lighting and work started pretty soon after the decision was made. Impressive stuff."

Questions had been raised over safety on the river bank in the wake of several incidents, particularly the death of Daniel Hodgin, 20, from Madeley, Telford. Mr Hodgin died in the early hours of Sunday, November 23, last year after falling into the river.

Earlier this year three Shrewsbury Town Council workers were commended as heroes for averting disaster when they rescued a baby from the river.

The new soft-tone LED lights which have been installed can be directed at specific spots providing what the council says is "better illumination for the footpath", while also reducing light pollution for nearby residents.

Members of the council agreed to install the lighting after carrying out a review of the current stock it is responsible for between the English Bridge and the Weir.

The report highlighted some areas where lighting dipped slightly between two posts.

The new lights, which work via sensors that automatically control them, will rectify the issue, and as with all council lights will remain on throughout the night.

A number of bulbs along the pathway have also been replaced, and a second phase of lighting is to be replaced with new ones over the next month.