West Berkshire Council challenged over plans to turn off street lights

Matthew Barber has criticised plans by the Lib Dem-run West Berkshire Council to cut street lighting across the district which pose a risk to both public safety and public confidence. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner has written to Leader of West Berkshire Council objecting to proposals to switch off street lights in residential areas in the district.

The plans form part of the council’s budget consultation and would see most areas becoming completely dark after midnight.

Charities and women’s safety campaigners have already hit out at similar plans elsewhere, concerned about the safety and confidence of women. 

In the letter to West Berkshire Council, Matthew Barber reiterates the challenges made to Oxfordshire County Council earlier this month saying: “Badly lit streets can exacerbate both the risk of crime and the fear of crime.

“Thames Valley Police has been leading the way nationally in the work to protect women, particularly in the night time economy, with operations such as Project Vigilant. The unilateral dimming or switching off of street lighting may jeopardise not just the confidence that has been built up, but also the safety of women in the county”

If you’re concerned about the Council’s plans to switch off street lights, visit keepthelightson.uk to find out more and sign the petition calling for the council to help keep our streets safe.