More Monktoners are sharing their views on the suggestion that Boroughbridge Road should have more street lights as the Parish Council prepares to discuss the issue at its meeting next week. The idea was first mooted by Sally Scott, who lives in Renton Close and who feels that walking into the centre of the village in the dark is dangerous. She has raised the issue with the PC and the subject is on the agenda for next Tuesday's meeting.

The village's resident astronomer, Chris Higgins told us:- "I read with interest the request for additional street lighting on Boroughbridge Road. Light pollution is a serious problem. There is a government action group (APPG) to deal with issue. The simplest answer in a rural area is to ensure one carries appropriate lighting with you. Should it be deemed necessary to supplement current street lighting every effort should be made to restrict well documented light trespass and the detrimental effects of modern wide spectrum LED lighting on the environment In short:- use lighting of 3000K or less, use down lighting only, use pedestrian activated lighting (dimmed when no activity) plus all lights turned off between the hours of midnight and 5am (current policy)."

However, two other people have expressed support for Sally's suggestion. Sheila Parsons quesrtioned the idea of using a torch. She said:- "Great if you can walk well, are fairly young and fit. Not so good if you are older, don't walk well and still would like to go out. There are people who are older and still like to live a full life. I am sure there are people like me who find it difficult walking round the village in the dark. I would not attempt to walk from Ashbrook to Renton Close. It's bad enough from St Johns to the chapel. Sometimes we have to try to cater for the minority."

Valerie Williams told us:- "Carrying a torch is a good idea if you have both hands free but what if you're wheeling a pushchair, holding on to small children, using a walking stick, holding a dog on a lead, carrying shopping bags etc., etc. For safety's sake you need a free hand. A street light at this end of the village would be a great asset."

However, Annabel Alton, also a resident of Renton Close, raised another issue:- "Re the dark unlit section of Boroughbridge Road between Renton Close and Claremont Drive.I agree with Sally and others that is very dark in that section and pitch black at one point, which is quite unnerving even with a torch if walking into the village at night. I observed that there is one lamp working between the two points but also see that there is another street lamp opposite Little Orchard House which is not working and is partly obscured by a conifer and other trees (see pictures). It also looks as though it is broken. It would improve the situation if this light could be repaired and made operable. Hope this sheds more light on the situation !"

For our original article on the subject click here

For a round-up of earlier reaction click here