Sorry to see
that the old style lampposts with more decorative lanterns on them in Albert
Gardens are going to be removed. I contacted the council’s Street Lighting
Partnership to find out why it was necessary and if anything could be done to
retain them. In response I was advised that the columns are well past their
expected lifespan and are deteriorating and as such keeping them isn’t an
option. I’m told that the council prioritises its replacement programme on a
number of factors in accordance with good asset management practice and these
columns are now high priority due to their age and condition.
Residents had
hoped they might be replaced with replica style columns and lanterns, however
the response I received from the council said that it isn’t policy to do so,
even within conservation areas. The replacement columns and lanterns will match
the existing lighting installed in the surrounding streets.
The new lighting
is designed to improve the distribution of light along the length of the
street. This will involve the installation of one additional lighting column.
Even so, it’s still sad to see the existing lighting columns go.
