Town condemns lights switch-off

Thousands of lights are being switched off in Powys

Town councillors in Brecon have passed a vote of no confidence in Powys council's ruling board for its handling of the switch-off of street lights.

Brecon backed the motion, although with four abstentions - three by councillors who also sit on the Powys authority.

The no confidence motion also included the local authority's chief executive Mark Kerr and his fellow officers.

Powys council said the street light scheme was a "direct response to a poor budget settlement".

The motion, which was backed last week, was proposed by Brecon councillor Mary Phillips "for allowing this (the street light scheme) to happen and allowing the public to put be at risk in this manner".

Ten councillors voted in favour, but Paul Ashton, David Meredith and Brecon mayor Martin Weale abstained. They also sit on Powys council, but all three have spoken out against the switch-off.

People in Brecon are very upset that many of the town's lights have been switched off, especially in areas where vulnerable people live Councillor Rosemary Evans

Deputy mayor Ieuan Williams also abstained because he is employed by Powys.

Former town mayor Rosemary Evans supported the motion. She said: "The vote of no confidence shows our disappointment in the way the council has handled the street light issue.

"People in Brecon are very upset that many of the town's lights have been switched off, especially in areas where vulnerable people live.

"The council resolved to send a letter to the council informing them of our vote. We don't expect it will have any effect."

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

The scheme has been criticised in communities throughout the county.

'We must take action'

A Powys council spokesman said: "We are aware of the town council debate but have not received any formal notification of a vote.

"The decision to reduce street light funding was taken by elected members in February as part of the council's annual budget.

"The decision along with a range of other cost-cutting measures was in direct response to a poor budget settlement.

"The council has to legal obligation to set a balanced budget - it must live within available resources.

"If budgets are tight we must take action - we cannot simply pass on the pain to the council taxpayer or operate in the red."

Other Welsh councils are planning similar street lamp schemes.

Ceredigion council is the latest to draw up plans in an attempt to save money but unlike neighbouring Powys, officials in Ceredigion propose turning off lamps in rural areas only between midnight and 0500 GMT.

Brecon Town Council is made up of 14 councillors - nine independents, three Labour and two Liberal Democrats.