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Public pressure forces County Council to defer decision on overnight streetlight blackout
13/11/2024
More consultation on the proposal will now take place
The decision to switch-off our streetlights overnight has been deferred after Oxfordshire County Council came under increasing pressure for pushing through its plans without a proper consultation.
The proposal was criticised by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Banbury’s MP, local councillors and members of the public, with concerns raised over public safety.
Had approval been given the default position would be that streetlights were turned off between 11pm and 6.30am. Doing so would save around £400,000 annually and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
This lunchtime the County Council issued a statement saying that Councillor Pete Sudbury (the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations) intended to defer the decision until further work had been carried out, including more consultation, and talks with the police.
He said: “This was intended as a technical document, which was meant to be a framework on which to base next stages, including consultation, and authorise expenditure. Unfortunately, it was quite understandably seen as a plan for immediate implementation.
“As a result, it set a lot of hares running, and I apologise for any upset caused.
“I’m grateful to all the people who have written to me and would urge them to speak at the meeting tomorrow because this is a real opportunity to influence how this goes forward.”
Although no decision will now be made tomorrow, public speakers are still welcome to address the meeting. The deadline to register to speak, either online or in person at County Hall, has been extended until 12.30pm tomorrow (Thursday).
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam