IN THE letters page of December 24, one of your correspondents asked whether I would share my concerns about the switch-off of Barry street lights between midnight and 6am.

I can confirm that I have asked questions about this at full Vale of Glamorgan council, walked around Barry with fellow Plaid Cymru councillors Nic and Shirley Hodges and Steffan Wiliam to see the impact of the switch-off upon pedestrians and drivers in darkened streets, discussed my concerns with police officers and PCSOs at my local PACT meeting and raised objections with Highways officers responsible for implementing the ‘switch-off’.

While we are still awaiting evidence to see whether this has had any impact on overall crime levels in Barry, I share concerns of many local residents, including older people and women, who have contacted me to say that they feel less safe at night – either in their own home or on the streets to work.

Unfortunately, though, this is a decision made by the Labour-led Vale Council who have chosen to make cuts to front-line services despite having more than £70 million in reserves.

I can assure your correspondent that Plaid Cymru councillors will continue to fight to protect services in Barry and the Vale, despite attempts by others to reduce them year on year.

Cllr Ian Johnson

Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales