Changes to Pembrokeshire streetlight provision, which has seen their loss in some rural areas, has saved £1.5m a year, councillors have heard.

In a question submitted to the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Michael John asked: “The loss of streetlights in rural areas is an issue which causes great concern to any members of the public affected, and one which is raised with me regularly.

“I believe it is an issue that a number of other members have raised and continue to raise with the department also. Given the policy was introduced around 2006, nearly 20 years ago, does the Cabinet Member agree it would be a good time for it to be reviewed?”

Responding, Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the changes were introduced following a notice of motion by a former county councillor back in 2008, with the need for lights based on four criteria: the number of night-time injuries, high usage – both for vehicles and pedestrians, night-time crime levels, and the number of residents in properties nearby.

Members heard changes to lighting provision, including updating to more efficient LED types, as well as data-led targeting of new areas for lighting, and decommissioning of lighting in areas not meeting the criteria, saved the council some £1.5m a year, along with a reduction in Carbon emissions.

He said he was more than happy the concerns raised following the changes could be reviewed at an appropriate council scrutiny committee.

Cllr Sinnett said was one of the original supporters of the change in policy, adding that, although not universally popular, the change “has had some quite positive effects in terms of budget savings and carbon reduction”.

He finished: “I commend the administration of the time for having the courage to introduce that.”