Light shed on lamp query

Graham Radcliffe: new lamp posts “a waste”.

RESIDENTS of Oldham’s longest street say they are in the dark about why their street lamps are being replaced only a few years after being installed.

Graham Radcliffe said he and his neighbours couldn’t understand why E-On, on behalf of Oldham Council, was replacing “relatively new” street lights in a time of financial savings.

“It seems only a few years since they did them,” said Mr Radcliffe. “We’re all wondering why they are replacing the entire length of Frederick Street, which is over a mile long, when major services are being cut. It seems like a waste.”

But Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, explained the work is part of a borough-wide scheme to save money long-term.

Oldham Council is replacing all its streetlights with modern, energy efficient units which will ultimately cut energy costs.

“Our records show the majority of units on Frederick Street are more than seven years old and we wouldn’t be able to put new technology in to update them.”