New lights for Minster street

12:59pm Friday 11th April 2008

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HISTORIC street lamps in the shadow of York Minister are to be replaced by new, modern lights from next week.

City of York Council is installing eight new street lights in Duncombe Place, in a move which upset city conservationists when the plan was announced.

The distinctive old lights which are on both sides of the street, were acquired following the 1951 Festival Of Britain, as it was felt their minimal style would not detract from the Minster's west end. But council officers said they were in a poor state of repair and it was not possible to get replacement parts.

Their replacement aims to improve the level of lighting and reduce antisocial behaviour in the area, and has been designed to be in keeping with the area and the view of the Minster.

Damon Copperthwaite, the council's assistant director for city development and transport, said: "It is important we have good quality lighting in this area to keep it safe and discourage antisocial behaviour.

"The street lights have been carefully designed and are similar in style to those in nearby High and Low Petergate. They will provide the required level of light, without being obtrusive, bearing in mind that they form part of the view of the Minster and the surrounding area."

It is hoped that the project will be completed by the end of the month.