Night lights are powered by sun (From Barry And District News)

Night lights are powered by sun

SOME Barry streets could soon be lit by the sun at night! The Vale of Glamorgan Council has switched on its first solar-powered street lights in Llantwit Major, and that is just the start.

As part of a joint initiative between the council's highways and housing divisions, three lights have been installed in a previously unlit garage area at Caer Mead Close in Llantwit Major.

Completely self-sufficient, and with negligible running costs, the lights are powered by a small wind generator and a solar panel.

No external or underground supply cables were required, resulting in a saving on trenching/cabling works of approximately £12,000.

Vale cabinet member for visible services, Cllr Gerald Fletcher, said: "The council is demonstrating that solar power is a very viable alternative source of electricity."

And cabinet member for housing and community safety, Cllr John Thomas, added: "The council anticipates the use of these units will become more common in the future in areas within the Vale that are not connected to an electricity supply.

"As well as providing illumination, it has been found that there are increased benefits in terms of reducing residents' fear of crime and, indeed, crime itself."