Taco Bell UK has said it is “committed to being a considerate neighbour” after neon lighting for its new restaurant near Riverside Square in Bedford was heavily criticised by people living nearby, who called it a “misery” and “impossibly bright”.
Staff have been seen inside the new restaurant, scheduled to open on 3 December, in preparation for opening day but those living in nearby Pilgrims House were furious at the installation of neon lighting that has been shining directly into bedroom windows a mere ten metres away.
Read: “Impossibly bright” town centre Taco Bell sign sparks “misery” for neighbours
Taco Bell has now told the Bedford Independent that the neon lighting will be on for fewer hours and that a new dimmer switch will be installed to reduce brightness.
“We wanted to let you know that the lighting timer issue has now been corrected”, said a spokesperson from Yum! Brands, of which Taco Bell is a subsidiary. The sign will only operate during the restaurant’s trading hours moving forward.
“Additionally, while the illumination currently complies with our approved planning specifications, we are taking the feedback seriously and are in the process of adding a dimmer switch to further reduce brightness.
“This may take a little time to implement, but it is already underway, and we expect a resolution very soon.
“We’re committed to being a considerate neighbour as we prepare to open soon”, added the spokesperson.
People living at Pilgrims House have also commented on the sign being less bright than before they raised the issue
It is “heading in the right direction,” said one, after the neon light began being turned off at 11pm and not being switched back on until 11am, a substantially larger window than the 12:30am to 5:30am timings initially reported.
The changes came after the Bedford Independent and a local councillor raised local people’s concerns with Taco Bell UK earlier this month.
