NEWPORT council’s proposal to turn of 9,000 Streetlights across the city has sparked concern from Labour councillors.

Every other street light, with the exception of those in Newport city centre shopping area, would be switched off from 10pm to 6am if the proposed scheme comes into force.

Newport council said the move would have a financial benefit for the council – which spends £1 million a year on energy with costs increasing – as well as cutting its carbon footprint.

The council is facing a budget overspend for buying energy because of the increase in costs by 14 per cent this year, and cabinet member for street services Cllr David Fouweather described energy costs as “horrendous”.

He said the council could save around £200,000 under the proposals – currently out to consultation with councillors – but he could not say when they would could come into force.

Cllr Fouweather stressed the plans were at a very early stage, and he still wanted to hear opinions from police and residents.

The proposals would also mean that a scheme where streetlights on 37 roads and industrial areas are switched off between midnight and 5.30am, implemented last year, would be scrapped following concerns from residents about the total darkness caused by switching the lights off entirely.

Tory Cllr Fouweather said: “The proposal to introduce part-night street lighting will see lights turned back on in those areas and partnight lighting introduced across the city.”

Lliswerry Labour Cllr Allan Morris asked whether more efficient lighting could be looked at. He said: “I would be horrified if streetlighting was reduced. One of the major reasons that we are winning the fight against anti-social behaviour is by eliminating dark spots where people can congregate unseen.”

Newport West MP Paul Flynn said: “We have to tread very warily, the savings are relatively small compared to the possible risks that are involved.”

Labour Cllr John Richards, also for Lliswerry ward, added: “Every area needs to be carefully looked at. Some have more antisocial behaviour than others.”

The council currently maintains a total of 18,500 street lights.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Streetlights fears must be addressed

MANY people will be shocked at the idea by Newport council to turn off half the streetlights at night.

It wants to save an estimated £200,000 a year with the dramatic move that would see every other light, other than those in the city centre, turned off.

Yes, there will be some light, however, to reduce it by half in every street will be significant and one which we believe many readers won’t be happy about.

We are aware all local authorities are looking at cutting costs and face difficulty in where they can find them.

However, we believe safety should always come before cost. We would be very interested to hear what the police, who will be consulted on the scheme, think about this.

Last year we reported on Caerphilly council switching off some of its lights, mainly in industrial areas and that led to worry about an increase in crime.

We fear such a drastic switch off in Newport could lead to the same.

Clearly, switching off so many lights will, in some streets, make them less safe and provide an ideal cover for burglars or car thieves.

One councillor points out today that he believes this switch-off could undo all the good work done to prevent anti-social behaviour in some areas.

He has a point.

We hope the consultation provides the chance for every fear to be examined thoroughly before any decision is made.