Police request will throw light on the scene
Tuesday, 10th April 2012.
Street lights are to be left on throughout the across the Clements estate after a request from police to Suffolk County Council.
The council has recently implemented a policy of switching off street lights from midnight to 5.30am in selected areas to save money.
The issue has been controversial in Haverhill, with residents complaining that it leaves them feeling vulnerable to criminal activity.
Even police have admitted it is difficult to see when they are patrolling on the estates after midnight.
The matter came to a head after a series of vehicles were set alight on the Clements estate a few weeks ago.
Acting Sgt Will Wright of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said he had been in contact with the county council about residents' concerns, and particularly in the wake of these crimes.
"I have requested the lights to be left on because of the seriousness of the offences being reported," he said.
The change will only be for a limited period, Acting Sgt Wright said, to allay residents' fears.
"I have listened to what residents have said and I am trying to address their concerns," he said. "If anyone else has concerns, I would urge them to tell us by ringing 101 and talking to the SNT."
The council has recently implemented a policy of switching off street lights from midnight to 5.30am in selected areas to save money.
The issue has been controversial in Haverhill, with residents complaining that it leaves them feeling vulnerable to criminal activity.
Even police have admitted it is difficult to see when they are patrolling on the estates after midnight.
The matter came to a head after a series of vehicles were set alight on the Clements estate a few weeks ago.
Acting Sgt Will Wright of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said he had been in contact with the county council about residents' concerns, and particularly in the wake of these crimes.
"I have requested the lights to be left on because of the seriousness of the offences being reported," he said.
The change will only be for a limited period, Acting Sgt Wright said, to allay residents' fears.
"I have listened to what residents have said and I am trying to address their concerns," he said. "If anyone else has concerns, I would urge them to tell us by ringing 101 and talking to the SNT."
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