Council seeks full control of street lights
BBC WeatherwatchersA local authority is seeking to take over street lights which are still controlled by parish councils.
Westmorland and Furness councillors have been recommended to accept proposals to bring the area's lights under one umbrella.
The plan, which will be discussed on Tuesday, includes potentially taking over about 790 lighting units currently run by parish and town councils.
A report detailing the move suggested it could lead to all the council's lights being controlled by a central system.
Last year the council sought the views of smaller authorities about the move.
Great Strickland Parish Council said many of its lights were attached to telegraph poles and the current policy seemed to be "to remove rather than repair" lights when there was a problem.
"Our lighting stock is dwindling rapidly," said clerk Ruth Tupling.
"This has resulted in 'dark holes' throughout the village, and meant that some of the older residents no longer feel able to go out in the dark.
"Any help with this pressing matter would be greatly appreciated."
Lakes Parish Council said it was "uncertain about which, if any, footway lighting assets we possess".
Westmorland and Furness said parish councils would not be forced to handover the management of its lights, but for those it did gain control of it would take full responsibility for upkeep.
It also said it would use energy saving LEDs for all new and replacement road lights.