Lib Dems light up Barnsbury (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems light up Barnsbury

March 17, 2004 12:00 AM

Barnsbury is getting new street lights as part of the Liberal Democrat run Islington Council's ambitious plan to renew local streetlighting across Islington over the next five years. Old lamp columns are being replaced by better modern lights - powered with 90 per cent renewable energy. The new lights will also be much more suitable for the conservation areas in Barnsbury. Local residents have welcomed the improved lighting, which will help to keep the area safer and brighter. Work to renew streetlights is also currently happening in Canonbury, St Mary's, St Peter's, St George's and Caledonian wards. Local Lib Dem councillor Emma Gowers said: "The new lights not only look better, but they are much brighter as well. In many places the lamps don't even match each other and don't fit with the local conservation area. We'll be replacing ugly old concrete posts with brand new clean and elegant lights. The new lights will be a real boost for the area and help residents feel safer." Lib Dem Executive member for Sustainability Bridget Fox said: "We will be upgrading streetlights across the whole of Islington over the next five years. Work to put in better lighting in many other parts of the borough is happening as we speak, starting with the areas that have the oldest lights and problems with crime and road safety. "Better lighting helps to cut crime and makes residents feel safer. New clean modern lights will also smarten up the local environment and we're making sure the lights are appropriate for each area. The new streetlights will also be protected with a tough new anti-graffiti coat in order to keep them looking smart." "Islington is getting greener and to show how committed we are to this, over 90 per cent of the electricity used will be generated from renewable sources including wind, solar, geothermal and tidal power." Belitha Villas, Lambert Street, Ripplevale Grove are all streets in Barnsbury currently benefiting from the works are.