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Last Updated: Friday, 16 March 2007, 11:43 GMT
Bus stop lights to cut crime fear
Damaged bus shelter
Bus shelters can be seen as threatening places after dark
Rural bus shelters in County Durham villages could soon use solar-powered lighting to help passengers feel safe and reduce vandalism.

Durham County Council is considering installing the lights at some bus stops in Gainford and Evenwood.

A report to the council's cabinet found that lack of lighting was discouraging "more vulnerable" passengers from using bus services after dark.

If the �6,300 pilot scheme is approved work could start at the end of March.

John Richardson, the council's director of environment, said: "There is no doubt that the environment of bus stops and their immediate surroundings can be seen as a threat to personal security and community safety, especially at night.

"A neighbouring council has installed solar lighting in a number of its rural bus shelters and that has resulted in a reduction in vandalism and provided passengers with an increased sense of security."


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