NEW LED lights have been installed on Hoad Hill to light up the Sir John Barrow monument in a project funded by Ulverston Business Improvement District.

Tests on the colourful new lighting, developed by Furness-based specialists Marl International, were carried out in March and feedback to Ulverston Town Council pronounced the project 'a fantastic success.'

Further work needs to be carried out on the internet-based electronic control system for the eight new LED light ‘pods’ installed around the base of the monument, but they are now set for an official launch on September 17 to coincide with the town's Lantern Festival.

The installation is a bespoke application of Marl technology used in high profile projects such as The Alnwick Garden, one of the UK's top visitor attractions adjoining the town's castle.

Marl engineers developed new housings set in concrete and topped with special armoured glass to protect the lights from the weather, walkers and visitors to Hoad and the cattle which graze the area at the top of the hill.

Adrian Rawlinson, Managing Director of Marl International, said: "The installation presented a particular challenge because of the rocky location and the safety of people and animals which regularly visit the area but our engineers rose to the occasion and the lights are now safely in place.

"It is a proud moment for our workforce and local people to be able to see LED products designed and manufactured in Ulverston being used in the town.”

Ulverston Town Mayor Cllr Mark Wilson said: “The new technology will enable us to change lighting colours for special occasions or to meet requests, and it will all be programmed via an internet connection, so it will no longer be necessary to trek up Hoad every time we want to use the lights. The monument is such a fantastic landmark for Ulverston it will be wonderful to see it quite literally in the spotlight again!”

Chris Nelson, the chairman of the Ulverston BID board, said: “The BID is looking to support projects which will benefit Ulverston now and in the long term, and the LED lights at the top of Hoad certainly qualify.

"The money raised by the BID levy on local businesses comes from Ulverston and will be spent only in Ulverston. Lighting up the Sir John Barrow Monument is another great way of drawing attention to the town and what it has to offer as a place to live, to work and to enjoy visiting for the shops and festivals.”