ILMINSTER NEWS: Mixed views on Swan Precinct lighting plans

COUNCILLORS have been investigating whether proper street lighting should be installed in the Swan Precinct area in Ilminster.

A report has gone before Ilminster Town Council’s planning and highways committee on Tuesday (November 1, 2016) to say that owners of the precinct and the adjoining Warren Court residential complex are in support of adding lighting to the area.

Somerset County Council’s highways department is usually responsible for installing street lighting schemes.

But it has already told Ilminster town clerk Joy Norris that as Swan Precinct – which sits off Ditton Street - is privately owned it would not pay to install or maintain any lighting scheme.

Lighting could be installed and the county council would not need to give permission, but the responsibility for the upkeep and energy bills would rest with the town council.

A town council report added: “No formal consultation has taken place on whether or not there should be any lighting in Swan Precinct.

“Councillors have, however, been given informal opinions by residents and traders and there does not seem to be a consistent viewpoint.”

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