Dear Sir,
Is it me or does anyone else think the new street lighting which the council have installed in parts of the town, make the streets look eerie, and spooky with so many dark corners for someone to hide and jump out at you?
Even walking up to your own front door is now like being on a second rate caravan site, where you need a torch to see your own path and to find the keyhole.
As I write the clocks have not changed but I guess the early dark nights will make the long winter seem even darker this year.
I have always felt safe walking through Aycliffe, even on the darkest night but since the change to the new energy saving street lights, I am forever looking over my shoulder at the shadows. The only safe place to walk now is down the middle of the road.
I understand the cost savings even though we will not see any of it. The new lamps are not designed to spread light only to light below the pole.
Maybe adding extra lights on the same pole or extra ones between would alleviate the darkness or are the council waiting for all the “tripping over kerbs” claims to come flooding in before they will review the problem?
On a plus note, these light get a ‘glowing’ report on the paths where, due to their relatively narrow width, are lit up as good if not better than the old lights.
JimBob

COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE:
Street lights are being replaced countywide with energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) fixtures as part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions. These new lights meet current British Standards whilst many of the older lights do not. The new LED street lights provide “white light” which gives much better colour rendition allowing the naked eye and CCTV to distinguish more easily between different colours. The uniformity of light distribution is also better with the new LED street lights.
Street lighting is designed to light the road and footpath which the new lights do very well through the enhanced control of LEDs. The old lights were less well controlled and provided some light spillage onto home and gardens. So it is possible that residents have noticed a lack of light spillage which is normal with any new street lights.
As well as reducing carbon emissions by 7,500 tonnes a year the programme is forecast to achieve annual savings of £2 million.
However if residents have any concerns they can call our dedicated Highways Action Line on 03000 26 1000 or email  hal@durham.gov.uk.”
We are always happy to listen and to respond to concerns residents may have if they get in touch with us.
Cllr Brian Stephens
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships