More than 50 new lights have been installed throughout Hamilton within the past year as part of its street-lighting programme, the City of Hamilton said today.

Lights have been repaired or replaced on Canal Road, Bull’s Head Lane and a section of Elliott Street and on stretches of Victoria, Dundonald, Church, Angle, King and Par La Ville, as well as Joell’s Alley and the bus depot on Washington Lane.

According a spokeswoman for the City, Hamilton’s street-lighting programme aligns with goals set within its strategic plan, which aims to provide excellent services, ensuring the City is safe and healthy and maximising value for rate payers, residents and customers.

The spokeswoman said: “The City has also replaced 80 lights in the Bull’s Head car park and installed additional lights in Queen Elizabeth Park.”

She also highlighted the City’s transition from cobra head lights to carriage lanterns since the early 2000s, as well as from high-pressure sodium to more energy-efficient LED bulbs within the past seven years.

Allan Somner, Hamilton’s operations manager, said: “Street lighting does more than just illuminate our roads and public spaces so we can see where we’re going when the sun goes down.

“Well-designed city lighting plays a key role in enhancing the lives of those who live and work there — offering aesthetic, economic and social benefits.

“For example, well-designed lighting reduces crime; a brightly lit park or pathway deters criminals and boosts the confidence of pedestrians, thus encouraging people to frequent a city’s businesses and restaurants, boosting economic activity in the area.

“Lighting also plays an integral role in community building, as better lighting makes for safer spaces in which for people to interact.”

He added: “With more than 750 street lights scattered throughout the City of Hamilton, we have a small team of hard-working individuals dedicated to keeping Hamilton lit.

“Every Tuesday, City electricians walk through the City in the evening to check for any lights which are out or dark areas which may require additional lighting.

“We will continue our efforts going forward with the focus of ensuring the City is a safe environment.”