Carnforth estate's eco-friendly lights ‘will help crime’ (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Carnforth estate's eco-friendly lights ‘will help crime’

4:24pm Thursday 12th November 2009 in

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RESIDENTS fear that eco-friendly lighting installed on a Carnforth estate is leading to an increase in crime.

Judith Jones, 56, of the Highfield Estate Residents’ Association said the LED (light emitting diode) street lamps, installed by Lancashire County Council, make the estate dark and dangerous.

She said. “Some people have said they can’t even see to put the key in the lock, it’s so dangerous “There will be more crime I’m sure.

"At half term, kids ran through the gardens, banged on windows and broke down a hedge.”

Lancaster City councillor Tony Johnson has received over 20 complaints.

He said: “A lot of people in Carnforth are walking from lit areas into a pool of darkness.”

County Coun Sarah Fishwick has written to the council for a review.

She said: “The council set aside money for extra street lighting to make people feel safer — yet they feel really unsafe.”

County council assistant area manager Brian Abraham said the changes had affected 9,000 households but there had been only a few complaints.

However, investigations were under way.