Plans to dim city street lights

Street lights across Leicester could be dimmed as part of a city council scheme to save energy and money.

The authority wants to dim 2,000 lights across the city, which it claims will save �250,000 and 300 tonnes of carbon over a seven-year period.

Some residents fear the move would spark an increase in crime.

Councillor Paterick kitterick said the authority only planned to dim lights after 2300 GMT on arterial routes and not side roads.

Mr Kitterick said: "I don't think it's a bad thing that the city council should be more efficient and save people money."

Lights on Abbey Lane between Abbey Park Road and Corporation Lane are currently being dimmed at 2300 GMT as part of a trial scheme.

Barney Smith, chairman of the Green Party in Leicester, said: "Saving money is an excellent idea but saving energy is even more important.

"Anything any of us can do to save energy is worth doing. I don't think there are safety issues - just people's fear of safety issues."

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