RESIDENTS and councillors who campaigned for better street lighting near their homes were celebrating today.

Sudell ward councillor Eileen Entwistle said she was delighted that certain streets, particularly Derwent Street, would be illuminated by 2005.

She said: "There's a grassed area at the back of Derwent Street and there's only been one street light there, so it has always been a bit dark.

"Residents told me they wanted it better lit because there are some benches there where people tend to congregate at night.

"I am really pleased with this news. Street lamps in Oak Grove will increase from two to three and in Atlas Road from four to six.

"Hopefully we will get them installed before we get into winter."

It was announced last week that other parts of Darwen would also benefit from better lighting, including areas of the Sunnyhurst and Marsh House wards.