Kirklees Council pledge £4m to tackle potholes and street lighting

Feb 12 2010 By Neil Atkinson

“Now our minds are concentrated on the longer term impact of the weather.

“The additional money will be used in the short term to fill potholes and patch road sections which have been badly damaged and we are trying to address the problems in as many roads as possible as quickly as we can.”

He promised work on the pothole repairs will start as soon as the weather is reliably frost-free.

The huge funding package for street lights was confirmed by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan.

He said Kirklees is set to benefit from a total of £65.8m of Government funding to install improved street lighting.

The money will be available through Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding which will enable the council to upgrade its existing street lighting.

Mr Khan said: “Better street lighting will help to improve road safety as well as helping to reduce crime.

“Good quality street lighting means a reduction in crime and the fear of crime, less light pollution and a safer night time environment for everyone.

“I am very pleased that Kirklees Council are using this Private Finance Initiative funding to deliver real benefits to their local residents.

“Partnerships like this provide vital investment in public services which can transform the experience of the travelling public whether they are walking, driving or riding.”

The cash is part of a total of £620m announced yesterday for street lighting improvements in seven council areas.

Kirklees will now have to put together detailed plans for improving the lighting and seek approval from Government ministers.

Once it is approved, the council can start buying new lighting columns and systems.