More than 30,000 street lights will be replaced

Council bosses have agreed to spend �20,000 for an on-going programme across the borough.

The move is the latest in a line of improvements, which have so far cost the authority around �100,000.

The money is part of a pot set aside to support community safety projects, and will fund 20 new street lights as part of the social lighting programme.

Hartlepool mayor Stuart Drummond said: "It is vital that people feel safe when walking the town's streets during the hours of darkness.

'Additional money'

"The lights that have been installed in previous years have proved very popular with the residents that have benefited, resulting in increased reassurance in those areas."

Alison Mawson, the council's community safety strategy officer, added: "The aim of the social lighting programme is to provide lights in areas where there is inadequate or no street lighting and little prospect of securing alternative funding to provide any.

"We are committed to making the town as safe as possible, and we hope this additional money will help us to achieve that."

The locations of the new lights will be decided on the basis of representations from councillors, parish councils, residents and referrals from the police.

Potential sites are inspected after dark with a police crime prevention officer to determine which should be given the highest priority.