South Shields residents hit out at the installation of street lights along The Leas

Residents in the Bamburgh Avenue and Norfolk Road area of South Shields have hit out at South Tyneside Council over the installation of new street lights on The Leas.

The lighting is part of the improvement works to enhance the walking and cycling route along the Coast Road.

The new lighting is being placed on The Leas, which is owned and managed by the National Trust; however, it is understood that the Trust had no knowledge of the works until it was flagged by residents.

One of the residents, Dave Dixon, has expressed his concerns at the installation of the lighting, especially in relation to light pollution, which will have an impact on wildlife.

He said: “The street lights are connected to the new cycle path that they are building, which is something that we have no problem with - if anything, we think that it is a good idea.

“However, there has never been street lights on that part of The Leas but all of a sudden, holes were being drilled and lampposts put up.

“We flagged it with the National Trust who had no idea that it was happening and they managed to get the work paused.

“When we raised it with the Council, they said that the street lights have to be there due to safety reasons.

“However, there is no street lighting on the new part of the Coast Road and you couldn’t be any closer to the edge of the cliffs than on that new stretch of road.

“People come from far and wide to witness things like the Northern Lights on The Leas and putting lights up along it will just ruin that - then there is the effects that it will have on the local wildlife as well.

“With something that is such a big project like this, we feel like residents and the National Trust should have been consulted a lot more first.

“It seems like they are just trying to steamroll their way through the work.”

Speaking to the Gazette last week, Eric Wilton, the General Manager of Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, revealed that the National Trust will be meeting with South Tyneside Council about the street lights.

He stated: “We are in conversation with the council relating to the installation of lamp columns on The Leas and will be meeting in the next week to discuss this further.”

South Tyneside Council has confirmed that a consultation period is ongoing with the National Trust about the installation of the street lights.

A spokesperson for the local authority commented: “Lighting is being installed along the Coast Road as part of a scheme to upgrade and enhance the walking and cycling route along this stretch.

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“The existing cycleway forms part of the National Cycle Network and was designed under previous design guidance which is now outdated.

“The cycleway is being brought up to standard for which lighting is a requirement for safety reasons.

“Consultation is ongoing with the National Trust as well as other statutory consultees.

“The scheme also comes following consultation on the Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan which found that residents were in strong support for improved cycle and walking routes along the A183.”

“Local residents are assured that the new lights are fitted with a shield which aims to reduce glare towards residential properties and focus the light on the walking/cycling route and roadway only.

“The scheme is due for completion later this year. Further information is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/cyclewayscheme.”

You can keep up to date with the resident’s campaign by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/groups/483481571024508.