Bath street lighting upgrade halted for public consultation
A scheme to install new energy-efficient LED street lights in Bath has been halted.
So far, some 2,000 lights which alter their brightness according to the amount of traffic have been installed.
But the council has paused the scheme amid concerns about the light levels and style of lanterns being unsuitable for the city's heritage status.
Bath and North East Somerset Council said it would reconsider the type of lights being used.
Councillor Roger Symonds, cabinet member for transport, said: "The council receives regular feedback from residents living in the world heritage site about the design of street lighting and type of light being emitted.
"We want to make our approach to street lighting more consistent so that communities know [what] to expect when a replacement takes place.
"Guidance will be developing over the coming months and consultation will take place with local residents associations and heritage groups."
Mr Symonds said the pause in the scheme will "allow the council to consider a roll-out of softer light and lanterns which are more appropriate" to the city.
The council estimates that once the lighting upgrade is complete, it will save taxpayers £200,000 per year and reduce carbon emissions by 800 tonnes.