WIRRAL's much-maligned eco-friendly street lights programme has reached the 10,000 milestone, after work continued despite the lockdown.

The project's two-year second phase only started in September last year, but already approximately 10,000 street lights have been fitted with LED lanterns and 1,500 columns have been replaced.

For a number of years, Wirral's residents have been furious with the council over its perceived lack of action on replacing broken street lights.

Some said the lighting was so poor on their street that they would not go out in the dark.

This programme is the council’s effort to eradicate those past failings.

As well as seeking to address resident’s concerns, the significant number of LED lanterns fitted in the last 10 months has resulted in an energy saving of approximately 60% against the old lanterns and a carbon dioxide reduction of approximately 400 tonnes per year.

The eco-friendly lights will also reduce running costs as the lamps are longer lasting than the original fittings and require less maintenance.

Cllr Julie McManus, Wirral's cabinet member for community services, said: “Changing to LED lights will dramatically improve the network as well as making it energy efficient and more suitable for the greener future we have ahead of us.

“Although lockdown meant many council services had to come to a standstill, this was one area where we were able to continue to make progress.

“This is good news for residents, communities and the environment.”

SSE Contracting – the company delivering the new LEDs, was awarded the contract not just because of its ability to do the job, but also the contribution it pledged to make to the community and the environment.

The company has a target to avoid putting any waste into landfill, which reflects the sustainable future the borough hopes to achieve with programmes such as the mass rollout of LED street lights.

To reach this target, SSE Contracting makes sure waste is separated and reused or recycled wherever possible.

The firm also works with suppliers to reduce packaging as much as possible.

Cllr Julie McManus added: “Reducing waste and recycling is now so crucial as we face a climate emergency so having policies like this in place for large scale projects, from both within the council and with our contractor, is a huge benefit.

“This streetlight programme will help set the tone for future projects to deliver improved infrastructure for Wirral residents whilst also protecting our environment.”