Dear editor,
In July, Bedford Borough Council dimmed the street lights by 50% to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and lower light pollution. This decision is already having a negative impact; not to mention that council tax has gone up regardless.
This decision affects some groups more than others, which is why I believe it to be discriminatory.
Read: £11.5m Bedford Borough Council savings plan includes cuts to staff, voluntary service and libraries
Lack of adequate lighting on our streets, especially as the evenings get darker, leaves women, people from ethnic minorities, rough sleepers, children and young people, the LGBT community and disabled individuals (to name a few), more vulnerable than other groups and feeling unsafe.
Not to mention the impact this may have on those with mental health conditions such as anxiety or agoraphobia.
Personally, I am a young woman, classed as disabled due to longstanding mental health conditions. This impacts my independence, and sometimes I may struggle to leave the house due to overwhelming and debilitating anxiety.
Read: Public consultation now open on Bedford Borough Council’s budget proposals
The eerie feeling of the town in recent weeks, due to reduced lighting, has left me feeling anxious and vulnerable, and ultimately has meant I have not gone out in the evening, even when I just needed to go to the corner shop.
Adequate street lighting makes our town more accessible to everyone. I am only one person, but I will not be the only person whose independence has been compromised by this change.
For anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable as a result of this decision, please consider using your platform to campaign for the street lighting to be turned back up.
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