Lib Dems Call In Street Light Decision

11.22.22am GMT Sat 10th Mar 2007

Liberal Democrat county councillors have called in the Conservatives' decision to switch off Uttlesford's street lights after midnight.

A decision by the ruling Conservative party at Essex County Council to turn off street lights in Uttlesford, has been challenged by Liberal Democrat county councillors. The decision has been called in, and the cabinet member responsible will have to appear at a meeting of the scrutiny panel to answer questions on his decision.

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrat leader and vice chair of the council's scrutiny panel, said: "The decision has been called in for two reasons, firstly because of the inadequate and flawed consultation procedures undertaken.

"Secondly, Uttlesford is not a typical district in Essex in that it does not have any significant night-time economies compared with areas like Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester and Harlow. With the initial exemption of even Saffron Walden from this pilot, the pilot's usefulness in providing lessons for other areas in the county is called into question."

There will be a chance for the residents of Uttlesford to attend the public call in meeting, at county hall, later this month.