New lights in historic area of Wem are defended
Council chiefs in Shropshire have defended the introduction of modern street lamps as they bid to continue to save money.
Shropshire Council said it is replacing the old concrete columns as they have potential structural faults associated with them.
It comes after a move to install new modern lampposts alongside heritage street lights in a conservation area in Wem came under fire.
John Hand, from Mill Street, Wem, said the new lampposts, which have been installed in the area, look "ugly" and do not fit in with the historic market town.
But Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said it would prove more costly to consider installing period lanterns and columns.
"The council is replacing the old concrete columns as they have potential structural faults associated with them," he said.
"The old columns and lanterns were not of the heritage type, whereas the new columns will be painted black to enhance the character and appearance of the area.
"In these challenging times the council has to concentrate its funding so that it can achieve the maximum improvements for the minimum of outlay, within certain standards.
"Our priority is to minimise risk to all road users by replacing defective columns and keeping the area in light, whilst reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions.
"The installation of new heritage columns and lanterns can be a costly process, and financial constraints will have a bearing on which equipment may or may not be used.
"If we were to consider period lanterns and columns, our costs for each of these would increase the cost of materials alone by almost £1,000 each."
Mr Hand said: "A few years ago a large amount of money was spent putting up traditional heritage lamp posts to complement the conservation area in Wem.
"It is therefore such a shame to see modern ugly lamp posts now being erected alongside these heritage lamp posts.
"Mill Street only has one narrow pedestrian pavement and it is the busiest road in Wem."
But Mr Jones added: "The lanterns which the council is planning to install along Mill Street have been chosen for their economical running costs, and will reduce the energy used from 123 watts to 28 watts, or down to just under two watts.
"We have been in regular discussion with John Hand about these issues."
