LED street lights are the county’s future

The LED lights were introduced as a pilot in Shefford as part of an energy saving initiative by Central Beds Council and Shefford Town Council.

The illuminations were first installed in Queen Elizabeth Close so their effect could be seen – and they have been deemed a success.

The old orange lamps consume 780 watts whereas the new LED white lights use just 144 watts. This equates to a saving of more than 80 per cent, equating to £236 per year.

The LED lights will now be installed across the rest of Shefford and an extra 7,000 will replace the older versions across Central Beds over the next two years.

In this financial year this includes 850 in Biggleswade, 430 in Langford and Henlow, 262 in Potton, 363 in Sandy and 422 in Shefford.

Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities, services, said: “The pilot lights in Shefford are a clear improvement and the savings in terms of energy costs and carbon emissions are absolutely fantastic.

“It really shows that we’re looking into new solutions to give residents good value for money and fits in with our aims to cut down carbon emissions in Central Beds.”

Shefford Ward Councillor Tony Brown, said: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the trial in Queen Elizabeth Close and the benefits that have been achieved by replacing the old and obsolete street lamps with this new efficient form of lighting.”