THE Labour administration in Newport is to press ahead with switching off every other street light during the night in the city.

Councillor Ken Critchley, cabinet member for infrastructure, has decided to continue with a programme to introduce part night street lighting.

A total of 9,000 street lights would be switched off between 10pm and 6am under the scheme.

The plan, which was started under the previous Tory and Liberal Democrat administration, had previously sparked concern from some Labour councillors over safety worries.

Previous cabinet member for street scene David Fouweather had said that the council could save £200,000 under the proposals, which the Argus reported in December was spending £1 million on street lighting every year.

A report to the cabinet member said a campaign to consult and communicate the plan will be needed to raise the perception of what and why the council is pursuing the option.

It read that each route would need to be risk assessed before the final proposal is implemented.

Gwent Police said they had no concerns with the proposals with the exception of the city centre, which have been exempted from the scheme.

The report read that if the council did not go ahead savings of £320,000 would have to be found to balance the budget.

Labour Cllr Ron Jones of Pill said the issue demanded a "lot of thought before we take any steps in the curtailment of street lighting".

"There are certain areas in Newport that could possible carry this curtailment and there other areas that would be disastrous".

Tory Cllr David Fouweather said it is pleasing that despite all the misgivings about the proposal Labour was looking favourably on the idea.

Cllr Matthew Evans, Newport Tory leader, said the council needs to work with members of the public over the issue, but added: "I'm glad they have seen the light."