Bright future for streets thanks to cash boost (From News Shopper)

Bright future for streets thanks to cash boost

10:08am Tuesday 15th January 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

A BOROUGH'S streets are set to get a cash injection.

Lewisham and Croydon have been given joint Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits of £79.5m from the Government.

PFI schemes involve public spending being contracted out to the private sector.

The funding will allow the two boroughs to pay private sector partners to upgrade 44,000 street lights over the next 25 years.

In the next stage of the process, the councils will discuss their plans with businesses.

Government transport minister Rosie Winterton said: "Experience shows better street lighting helps improve road safety and reduce crime and the fear of crime.

"It also helps create happier and healthier communities by promoting social inclusion and more sustainable patterns of transport by encouraging people to cycle and walk."

• Print
• Email
• Share