Concern Council Has No Money To Replace Broken Streetlights

There are safety concerns after council bosses admitted they have no money to replace broken streetlights in Market Harborough town centre.

At least ten of the wall-mounted lights are not working meaning some areas are dark, particularly around The Square.

A number of streetlights on The Square are not working

The sodium-style lights were installed in the 1980s and are now obsolete, so all 51 need to be replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting at an estimated cost of over £140,000.

However, Leicestershire County Council – which is responsible for the streetlighting – currently has no money available for the work.

Residents and business owners have expressed concern about the situation.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, is urging for faster action to be taken.

A number of the streetlights are not working across the town centre

Resident Sarah Hill is one of those concerned that areas of the town centre are dark:

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “We apologise for any inconvenience which may have been caused by street lighting in Market Harborough.

“Currently, we are unable to fund these repairs within our existing limited budget.

“We would like to reassure residents and businesses however that this funding will be considered alongside other priorities as part of the council’s annual budget process, to be finalised in February 2025.”