STREETLIGHTS along some of Wrexham’s busiest roads could soon be using less electricity.
But a council chief has stressed this does not mean any of them will be turned off completely, like in some other areas of Wales and England.
In a bid to meet tough targets to reduce its carbon footprint, Wrexham Council is considering switching old-style bulbs for low-energy versions in around 250 lighting columns on main routes including Bradley Road, Ruthin Road, Bersham Road, Ferry Road, St Giles Way and Mold Road.
The plan was discussed by members of the executive board last week.
The scheme will cost about £330,000, with £280,000 coming from the Welsh Assembly Government, £36,000 from the council and another £20,000 contributed by Offa Community Council.
The council’s chief environment officer John Bradbury said apart from using less power and therefore cutting down on energy bills, the new-style lights would also be capable of being dimmed slightly in the middle hours of the night to burn even less electricity.
But the council’s deputy leader, Cllr Bob Dutton, stressed: “It is important to say that Wrexham, unlike some other local authorities, will not be turning off any of its streetlights.”
He added that the more environmentally friendly lighting would help the council meet its commitment to cut Co2 levels by the end of next year or face tough central government penalties for failing to do so.