SOME councillors believe that the part-night street light scheme is a success.
Although admitting that it has taken some time to bed in, Pennsylvania councillor Peter Holland believes the system is working well and is responsive to the needs of residents.
Cllr Holland told Community News: "All city councillors were invited to meet with officers of the street lighting team at County Hall on a ward-to-ward basis to discuss the proposed changes and the impact that may have in individual wards.
"Myself and Percy Prowse, county councillor for Duryard and Pennsylvania, listened to the concerns of residents, met with the team and, using local knowledge representations were made to the officers.
"We were able to specify routes to be kept lit for the safety of people walking home from their evening in Exeter's city centre or returning from a night shift.
"Subsequently, where residents have voiced concerns over specific lights, for example where the health and safety of residents may be compromised, approaches have been made to the lighting team and lights have been reinstated within 24 hours.
"The new lighting arrangements have taken a little while to "bed in" as up to 250 lights are now controlled by one "master".
"On the other side of the coin there have been a number of residents who are actually delighted that the street lights are switched off at midnight as they no longer shine into their bedrooms keeping them awake at night."
Cllr Holland added: "The reduction in the provision of street lighting has meant that there are savings for all council taxpayers and it has also meant a reduction in light pollution in the city, a key environmental indicator.
"Fundamentally this initiative is not about cuts, it is about how best to use the council budget and give the good people of Exeter value for money.
"It is also noted that police have not seen an increase in the numbers of reported crimes during the late hours when the street lights are switched off."
