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Council Leader annoyed streetlights issue used as “political weapon”
11/12/2024
A decision was pulled following a public outcry
The Leader of Oxfordshire County Council has attacked the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner – and others – for turning consideration of switching off Oxfordshire’s streetlights overnight into a political weapon.
A document had been tabled at a recent meeting for consideration of the move by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Dr Pete Sudbury. This was pulled after a public outcry, particularly in relation to its impact on the safety of women and girls.
At yesterday’s County Council meeting opposition parties presented a motion proposing a full consultation before the idea was considered further.
Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Liz Leffman said it had always been the intention to consult local communities as to whether their lights were turned off overnight, or not. She felt the issue had been used for political reasons.
Councillor Leffman said: “It has been picked up by people like the Police and Crime Commissioner and turned into a political weapon, and that’s the truth, sadly, because there was never any intention to do any of what’s been described by some Members in this Council Chamber this afternoon,
“We will consult on this and it was always the intention that we would consult with individuals – within communities – to find out what their desires were.”
Despite her annoyance at the way the motion had been presented Councillor Leffman indicated she would support the Labour motion, which had been amended by the Conservatives.
The motion passed with support from all councillors.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam