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Top e-government news, updated daily, and regular features from the top people in the public sector.
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| Coventry to replace city's street lights |
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Coventry City Council has a won a £63 million bid to replace all of Coventry's streetlights.
Three quarters of the street lights in the city - around 23,000 lights - will be replaced and upgraded within five years, and the entire network over 25 years.
A third of the city's orange street lights are more than 30 years olds, and will be replaced with environmentally friendly white lighting, which can hold CCTV cameras to help cut crime and anti-social behaviour.
The cash has been awarded to the council by the Government through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) - and will also cover replacement and new traffic signs, bollards and beacons.
Coun Kevin Foster, the council's city services spokesman, said: "We are obviously delighted with the news that the bid has been successful - this will make a real difference to people all over the city.
"From Willenhall to Wood End and Wyken to Westwood, people will see real improvements in their neighbourhood.
"Good street lighting is very important," he added. It will help to cut down on traffic accidents and improve the environment, and make people feel safer when they're out at night.
"And with CCTV cameras able to be installed it will help the fight against anti-social behaviour."
The £63 million grant equates to £5 million a year, and the council will pay £1.1 million a year towards annual running costs such as electricity.
The final decision to go ahead with the PFI scheme will made by councillors later in the year, and if given the green light work is expected to begin in April 2008.
Coun Foster added: "This is a big bid, but we know it's what the people of Coventry want and we've clearly made a strong case to the Govenrment.
"We have to take the opportunity being offered to us." |
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