News
Who turned out the Lights?
Norfolk County Council is discussing proposals to switch off thousands of streetlights in residential areas across Norwich between 12 and 5am. The proposed blackout areas - residential areas with low reports of crime and minimal traffic levels - include streets with high populations of students in the Golden Triangle, Bowthorpe and West Earlham.
“Without any formal comment from the police and only a limited pilot, these plans raise many concerns.” says Tom Sutton, Welfare Officer of the Union of UEA Students. “It is largely young people, either travelling back from a night out or from working late, that will face the increased potential threat to their personal safety. A number of the proposed blackout areas are student areas and are already likely to be targets for crime.”
Sixty-one percent out of fifty-two students in a survey undertaken last week said they disagree or strongly disagree with the Council’s plans stating reasons such as working late in the city or returning back from a night out at the LCR.
Tom Sutton added “The Union is approaching local politicians with its concerns and will work to ensure students and student areas of the city will not face heightened danger as a consequence of these plans.”
To find out if your street has made it on to Norfolk County Council’s list of streets set to be considered as part of the proposal click here.
If you have any particular concerns and want to get in touch with your local councillor, search your address click here and go to your “County Electoral Division” to find out how to contact your local representative. Or alternatively email [email protected].