Douglas Council is well on its way to seeing the light and saving ratepayers’ money.

It is converting the town’s street lighting into more efficient LED units. Workers have just fitted the 2,500th lantern.

More than 4,400 new lights will have been fitted by the end of the project.

The £1.5 million scheme was launched in February last year and is forecast to achieve energy savings of £2.7 million over the 15-year warranty period of the lights.

Environmental services committee chairman Councillor Ritchie McNicholl was the driving force behind the scheme, which netted the biggest public sector saving category in the government’s 2017 energy awards.

Councillor McNicholl said: ’These intelligent energy-efficient LED lanterns lower wattage consumption significantly. They not only reduce energy use and fuel costs but also require less maintenance.

’They offer safety benefits as well, in that LED lanterns produce a whiter light, which gives clearer colour definition, improve night-time vision for pedestrians and road users and also help to create a heightened sense of security.’

He praised the work of the electrical services team, led by manager Donal Cullen.

’It is a project that will not only bring savings benefits but also supports a key objective of the council’s corporate plan, which is to make Douglas a desirable place to live, work and visit,’ said Mr McNicholl.