Community groups back our 'keep the lights on' campaign

Jan 27 2011 Buckinghamshire Examiner

PARISH councils and residents' associations across the region have thrown their weight behind our campaign to keep the street lights turned on.

Bron Curley, chairman of Amersham and District Residents' Association, said: "I absolutely support your position with regards to the street lighting.

"We are extremely concerned about the impact of turning off street lights. We believe that BCC has a responsibility to rise to the fiscal challenges it faces in a way that does not endanger the citizens it is supposed to serve.

"Although we do not suggest that the task of reducing spending is easy, there are other areas where savings can be made."

Seb Berry, chairman of Great Missenden Village Association, also backs the campaign: "The proposed blanket turn-off of street lighting across Bucks is an ill-considered and dangerous move.

"In their rush to slash spending locally, the council should take care to ensure that they are not putting lives in danger through this kind of knee-jerk policy response. I'm delighted to support the campaign."

Brian Drew, Little Chalfont Parish Council chairman, said: "Personally, I do have concerns about the decision and I do support those parishes and others who are trying to get at least some of the lights turned back on."

Councillor Alan Hardie, of Beaconsfield Town Council, said: "Yes, I certainly back the campaign. I would support it because the roads across the Chilterns are very dark at night."

Another councillor to raise her concerns was Chesham Town Council's Justine Fulford. She said: "I haven't read the consultation stuff yet, so I can only partially back your campaign, but in theory, most definitely. I would like to see the lights permanently on at night through Chalfont St Peter and at the roundabout going into Missenden - I think it's bonkers they are switched off or only partially put on."

Fred Nolan, president of Chalfont St Giles Residents' Association, raised concerns for elderly drivers: "There are a lot of elderly drivers in the region and, speaking as one myself, I find it extremely difficult driving in the dark.

"Roads like the bypass are real water catchers, so it can be very dangerous at night. I am all for the campaign to keep them switched on."