THE streets of Tadley should be better lit by the summer as contractors for Hampshire County Council replace hundreds of street lights with more up-to-date lamps.

Much of the lighting is more than 30 years old and will be replaced with the latest technology in energy-saving lamps and dimming controls. In Tadley, 314 lamps will be replaced along with a further 916 lanterns and posts.

It is hoped this will mean better lighting, less light pollution due to the new lights facing downwards, improved safety and a reduction in carbon emissions in line with Government targets for carbon reduction.

Councillor Mel Kendal, deputy leader and executive member for transport and environment, said: “A lot of preparation and planning has gone into the Tadley Street Lighting programme, and we will try to keep disruption to a minimum. “This means co-ordinating works with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside rush hour periods.

He added: “As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground.”

The £225million “Street lighting private finance initiative”, that is funding the replacement programme in Hamp-shire, Southampton and West Sussex, is being undertaken in partnership with utility company Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It involves the replacement or updating of 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards with the latest energy-efficient equipment.