More rural Wales lights to go out

Hundreds of lights are likely to go off in Ceredigion

A second council in mid Wales is planning to switch off its street lights in an attempt to save money.

But unlike neighbouring Powys council, officials in Ceredigion propose turning off lamps in rural areas only between midnight and 0500 GMT.

Thousands of lights have been blacked-out across Powys as part of a controversial cost-cutting policy, which is saving the council £225,000.

Ceredigion's street light budget is facing a £50,000 shortfall.

The county has 6,193 street lights, but the plan is unlikely to affect the towns of Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter, Llandysul, Tregaron and New Quay.

It is hoped the scheme will save Ceredigion between £30,000 and £45,000.

'Budget settlement'

The council's highways scrutiny committee met on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Councillor Lyndon Lloyd, who represents Beulah ward, near Aberporth, which could be blacked-out under the scheme, said: "The committee recommended an option to turn off all lights in rural areas in the short-term and in the long-term invest in more energy efficient lights.

"It could affect villages in my area. It's not a happy situation, but if the county council had received a better budget settlement then perhaps it could have maintained the lights."

Mr Lloyd said community councils in Ceredigion could be allowed to pay to maintain their own lights.

Council colleague Towyn Evans, who represents the rural ward of Llandyfriog in south Ceredigion, said the planned scheme was regrettable, but a sign of the times.

"Any loss of service and people will be unhappy with it," he added. "But every council will be looking at making savings."

Ceredigion council's cabinet is expected to discuss the plans on 25 November.

Other Welsh councils in Torfaen and Pembrokeshire are also planning to extinguish street lights.