Concerns from Cornish residents as street lights dim and nights get darker

There's continued concerns about safety as street lights are switching off across the Duchy.

The night-switch offs are in a bid from the council to save money, reduce light pollution and energy use.

Areas including Carbis Bay, Porthleven and Marazion plunged into darkness between midnight and 5am

Linda Medland, owner of Fairtrade shop in Callington town centre, where lights have already been switched off overnight, said: "We haven't had much damage thankfully in Callington but we have had some issues in the past. It's definitely better for security.

"If there was more policing that would be better but that would cost more than keeping the lights on.

"I would prefer they stayed on and I don't know if there's any other way they can get around that. It would be safer for pedestrians and shop fronts."

A spokesperson from Cornwall Council said: "Our vast network of 56,000 streetlights currently contribute to around 30% of the council’s total carbon emissions. By turning off or dimming streetlights between midnight and 5am we are acting to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy use and reduce light pollution to help nature recovery, as well as help offset the increase in energy prices.

"Safety is at the forefront in any decision about switching off streetlights. Evidence from other local authorities that have already implemented similar night-time switch offs show that levels of crime and number of traffic accidents do not increase.

"However, we continue to carry out risk assessments and share data with local stakeholders so that any concerns or requests - including requests from parish and town councils for areas where they want to see streetlights switched off or turned back on again - are fully considered." 

Streetlights remain on between midnight and 5am in various locations. These include:

• Traffic signal junctions, pedestrian crossings, subways, some roundabouts and junctions   

• Parts of town centres and footpaths that are still relatively busy during the night  

• On certain roads where there is traffic calming and speed humps  

• Areas where there is CCTV or police surveillance equipment  

• Entrances and exits to hospitals, police, ambulance and fire stations 

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