SOME 10,000 LED lights have been installed across Gloucestershire as part of a project to replace 55,000 street lights.

Gloucestershire County Council are rolling out the plan over the next three years in a bid to reduce energy usage and spending.

LED street lighting uses 70 percent less energy and should save the council an estimated £17m over the next 12 years.

An event held in Prestbury on Thursday was the latest in a series of council events intended to answer local queries about the scheme.

Cllr Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “As we’ve reached the 10,000 mark, it is important to realise why we are doing this.

“The benefits of using LED street lighting include; a better quality of light, a decrease in light pollution and a 70 percent reduction in energy usage.

“I would like to thank all the residents who have taken out time to come to one of the events we have put on to learn about the benefits and positives of these LED lights.”

Work to replace the sodium lights with LEDs started last November after the county council approved the investment in 2014.

The plan should contribute towards the council’s adopted Carbon Reduction Target of 60% by 2020/2021.

Gloucestershire County Council appointed the construction company Skanska to carry out the project.

Skanska have been making good progress with the scheme.

The council also predicts the lights will lead to a 70 percent reduction in maintenance costs.

Homes affected by the scheme will receive a letter before the work starts.