We want our streets lined with old, not silver...

Garth Harkness with one of the traditional lamps he wants to retain

A COUNCILLOR is leading an assault on utilities contractor E.On not to install new, silver-painted metal lamps in conservation villages.

Councillor Garth Harkness says the lamps - part of a borough-wide initiative - would not be suitable for villages such as Dobcross, Delph, Diggle and Denshaw.

Now he is calling on E.ON to “do it right” and stop insttallations until the right kind of lamp can be agreed.

Villagers fear traditional lamps, some fixed to walls of landmark properties, may vanish with the installation of new ones.

The conservation village priority is for suitable replacement lamps, says the councillor.

“I am arranging a further meeting with E.ON over refurbishing options to existing lamps. We particularly need more details about lights without poles hanging on buildings.

“More should have been done to hold E.ON to account. Residents complaints have been ignored,” he claimed.

“We are meeting the conservation officer to discuss street lighting options and then we have agreement to hold consultation meetings in Diggle, Dobcross, Delph and Denshaw.”

An E.ON spokesman said: “We understand the councils are consulting with the local community and local councillors to agree the new street light plans. We’re currently awaiting a decision from these discussions. At the moment no columns are being replaced in conservation areas.”