NEW light has been shed on the Crown Close area of Bromsgrove.

Eight old lampposts, some more than half a century old, have been replaced by new ones to light the roads and footpaths in the Close and around the neighbouring side of St John's church.

The old steel lampposts were beginning to show signs of wear and needed to be taken down. Cast iron Victorian gas-lantern style columns have been installed in their place.

John Moody, Bromsgrove District Council's head of community safety and engineering, said: "The old lampposts were showing signs of corrosion and needed upgrading. The new columns give off a brighter light making it safer for everyone using the Close."

The project, which has cost the council £20,000, has been carried out in conjunction with John Stagg, the authority's conservation officer, to ensure the new lights are in keeping with the heritage site.

The new columns have been made from original patterns.

Each is fitted with a ladder bar which was originally used to rest the lamplighter's ladder against when gas lights were lit by hand. Today these help maintenance work.

The lamps are painted black with gold highlights, the gold paint is specially produced with a high metal density to give it the appearance of old gold.

Each is topped with a Victorian-style gas lantern fitting with modern electric lights and optics providing a white light with a greater spread.

Jenny Ashmore, who chairs the church's fabric committee, said: "They are a great improvement and we have written to the council to tell them so. We are especially pleased with the additional light by the west door, which is a great aid to safety."

pete.lammas@midlands.

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