Councillor Ann Reid, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Communities & Neighbourhoods, has reacted to the commencement of Labour’s city-wide streetlight scheme.

“The Liberal Democrat Group welcomes the programme to replace the street lights that Labour removed last year before indentifying any funding to replace them. However, this action is long overdue and it is not new money.

“Labour are implying that this is new investment. In fact, the money is simply being taken from other areas in the Neighbourhoods budget. The overall budget for resurfacing roads and footpaths has been reduced and money has just been moved from highway maintenance to street lights. This means that fewer roads and footpaths will be repaired.

“While residents will be delighted to get their street lights back, it is unacceptable that some will have been waiting for nearly 9 months, throughout the dark winter months. Liberal Democrat budget plans protected these frontline services rather than funding the Labour Leader’s vanity projects such as City Centre Wi-Fi.”