Fear of crime and dark streets prompts hundreds of petition signatures

People in Hinckley have been flocking to sign a petition to keep their streetlights on.

Hundreds of people in the town have already signed a petition organised by local Liberal Democrat Councillors to call for an alternative. Conservative run Leicestershire County Council are making further cutbacks to the streetlighting budget which could see a number of streetlights switched off and removed altogether, even during dark winter evenings. The Liberal Democrats are calling on the County Council to invest in cheaper, energy efficient LED lighting which would help save money while keeping the lights on.

Hinckley Lib Dem Cllr Michael Mullaney said: "Hundreds of people have already signed the petition. Many people feel more safe and secure with the streetlights on. Turning off of the lights, and the threat of removing some streetlights altogether, has worried many residents. People who work night shifts, who have to walk the streets, often in the pitch black in the morning have been particularly worried about these changes.

"Recently we have heard that there was a near 40% rise in burglaries in Nuneaton since their streetlights were turned off last year.

"With many local residents signing the petition I hope that Conservative bosses at Leicestershire County Council will listen to residents and keep the streetlights on."

Local business man Lloyd Godsall said: "Moving to alternative bulbs such as LEDs are not only cheaper to run but also have a longer service life and are kinder to the environment."

People can sign the petition online at signme.org.uk/973 or can get a paper copy by calling Cllr Michael Mullaney on 07576 289910