Councillors and members of the public discussed reducing unnecessary street lighting in Chippenham at a meeting of the Area Board.

Wiltshire Council has been approached by a number of communities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce light pollution and reduce energy costs, and £5,000 has been set aside for each Area Board to introduce new schemes this year.

Newly elected Chippenham town councillor Mary Fallon expressed concern that reduced street lighting could lead to increased crime figures, but Sergeant Allan George allayed her fears.

He said: “I think any scheme like this should be discussed on its merit, and we need to remember that perception and reality are different things.

“Chippenham is a very safe town and in incidents in recent years where there have been assaults on young men or women at night, whether the lights were on or off was not an issue.

“It is a traditionally held view that there is a link between no lighting and crime but this is not something which has been proven.”

The Chippenham Area Board has been asked to nominate an individual to act as project leader. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact Victoria Welsh on (01249) 706446.