4th July 2012

LYME REGIS: Bright lamp posts may be shaded

NEW lamp posts in Lyme Regis which are too bright and causing a nuisance may have shades fitted, town councillor Lorna Jenkin has reported.

Following complaints of new lamp posts being too bright, as published in the View From Lyme Regis’ “Lyme Letters” section over previous weeks, Councillor Jenkin has reported that electric company SSE is willing to consider putting shades on the most intrusive lamp posts to prevent them glaring into upstairs windows.

She explained: “Homes on the west side of Anning Road and Kingsway are set below street level which might be the reason for the upstairs glare as mentioned in the editor's column a few weeks ago, as the lights are generally not supposed to be a nuisance to upper windows.

“If they are too bright SSE are willing to consider putting a shade on the nearest lamp to keep the light from upstairs windows. I have spoken to the engineers who need the numbers and addresses of the offending poles.

“If anyone would like to walk around with me to identify them in those streets or elsewhere, please contact me on 01297 443703. Otherwise I will walk round and make a list myself from observation, but I might then miss some, especially as it is summer.

“The lights may seem bright but I was informed by the advance street lighting team that in fact the new lights use less electricity and are not as bright; they are just more efficient, whiter and are more focussed on the ground rather than up into the sky and onto houses.

“The lights have been respaced, some wider apart, some closer, to give a more even coverage.”

Councillor Jenkin is one of the local councillors who has been working with Dorset County Council lighting engineers in the replacement of lamps across Dorset. She explained that the county council has experienced an increasing number of poles crashing down because of erosion and pointed out that in Lyme Regis posts in Bridge Street were covered in rust.

Councillor Jenkin added: “The contractors have been slow in the replacement project of Lyme Regis because of a shortage of electricians, but have recently re-started and hope to tackle the 'old town' and Broad Street this next winter.

“The council has provided £5,000 to pay for heritage style lamps in the oldest streets of Lyme and we hope you will be pleased with the results.

“In 2014 Lyme is scheduled to have its lights switched off for five and a half hours at night from midnight in winter and 1am in summer, except for the main roads and areas considered unsafe which will stay on all night. That should help to silence those cockerels who crow all night!”

PICTURE: COUNCILLOR JENKIN | New bright lights could be shaded

LYME REGIS: Bright lamp posts may be shaded

LYME REGIS: Bright lamp posts may be shaded

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