GIDLEY CALLS ON COUNCIL TO SHED LIGHT ON STREET LIGHTING SCHEME

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th May 2008

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley has written to the Chief Executive of Hampshire County Council, demanding an explanation of how they are spending the £225m PFI credits awarded to them by the government for the South Coast PFI street lighting scheme, as figures show there has been a huge increase in staff salaries and the council's publicity budget.

The government award, announced by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton in February was made to Hampshire, Southampton and West Sussex to fund the upgrade of 165,000 streetlights in the region over the next 25 years. Yet Hampshire County Council have in fact plunged more than 1,000 residents in Romsey into darkness each night in an attempt to cut energy bills.

However, the council's publicity budget has simultaneously risen to £4.4 million per year. There has also been an increase in the number of employees earning more than £50,000. This will result in an increase of at least £4.32 million of tax-payers money being spent on salaries, possibly being as much as £11.78 million.

Commenting, Sandra said:

"The Transport Minister Rosie Winterton has publicly admitted that street lighting improves road safety, reduces the fear of crime and crime itself. I am astounded that the council is prepared to compromise public safety by turning off street lighting across the county in the guise of saving money, whilst at the same time, increasing their expenditure on publicity, and fat-cat salaries.

"This is all the more galling when the council is being provided with funding by the government specifically to invest in more street lighting.

"The question must be asked - where is the government money going?

"I would strongly urge the council to start investing the money provided for it into ensuring that the residents of Hampshire aren't left feeling vulnerable and afraid at nighttime."

ENDS