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New Sandwell street lights to save council £300,000

More than 11,000 street lights will be replaced across Sandwell as part of a £4 million scheme to save money and energy.

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Bulbs will be replaced across the borough

New energy-efficient lamps will be rolled out across the borough after a deal was agreed with street light provider Telensa.

Nearly 4,000 lights will be installed by next year, replacing ageing and costly lighting, with another 7,000 planned by 2022. All street lights in Sandwell will also be switched to LEDs to help cut the amount of electricity used.

The programme is set to cost nearly £4 million but council officials say the changes will save around £300,000 a year. Experts at Telensa said the scheme would "pay for itself".

Amy Harhoff, Sandwell Council’s director of regeneration and growth, said: “Our 2030 Vision project seeks to inspire our residents by creating a local atmosphere in which they can say they’re proud to be from Sandwell.

"We are excited to be working with Telensa on a project that will reduce the council’s carbon footprint and provide crucial financial savings.”

Will Gibson, chief commercial officer at Telensa, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Sandwell to play an instrumental role in their connected street lighting project and look forward to working with the council to ensure a smooth transition to the new technology.

“This deployment further expands our presence in the West Midlands where a true commitment is being shown to the promise of smart city technologies by forward-looking Councils who are now reaping the economic and efficiency benefits that they can provide.”

A report to the council's cabinet stated lanterns across the borough had become ‘outdated technology’ when compared with efficient LED lighting.

Former highways and environment boss Councillor David Hosell said when the plan was approved: "This is good news because good and reliable street lighting contributes to safe efficient transport routes, reducing road traffic accidents, casualties and anti-social behaviour."