AS HAMPSHIRE County Council considers extending the switch-off time for streetlights and reducing their brightness across the county, Andover residents are divided in their opinions about the potential impacts of these changes.

The proposed adjustments, aimed at saving £500,000 annually and addressing the county's anticipated budget deficit, have sparked a range of reactions from residents concerned about both financial prudence and public safety.

Derek Halford, echoing sentiments of fiscal responsibility, expressed support for the measures.

He said: "I think this is time we should think about austerity. While I understand that we are not the safest county in the country, we are most certainly not at the bottom. It is right the council should be trying to save money."

READ MORE: Hampshire streetlights could be dimmed even further

Rob Sewell, who is a staff member at The Lights believes it is a good idea to save money by turning off street lights after midnight.

"I’m all for it because it would save the maintenance costs, save electricity and thus save money," he said.

However, Brenda Hickin voiced apprehensions about safety, particularly for those returning home late at night.

"I don’t agree to the plans because of safety reasons," she said. "There are people who come back from work during those hours. How about them?"

Ruby Mecani, who is a student, also highlighted the potential risks posed by reduced illumination during the late hours.

"I don’t agree to it," she said. "It might save some electricity and money, but it is really bad for people out there during those hours." 

Arleta Zapasnik, drawing from her experience working with the council, suggested exploring alternative avenues for cost savings.

"We waste lots of money for having all the lights on everywhere," she said.

"So I think there are other ways we can save power and save money in little things rather than switching off street lights.

"But I am not that worried about safety because you can plan around the time. Kids don’t go out anyway during those hours because they are all glued to the screens." 

SEE ALSO: Andover youngsters welcome plan to ban phones in schools

Public consultation on the plans is open for residents until March 31.

You can give your feedback using the online consultation response form. Or, if you prefer to complete the response form offline, you can download a printable version.

You can also email a written response directly to Hampshire County Council using insight@hants.gov.uk or write to Freepost HAMPSHIRE (Please also write PandO, IEU, FM09 on the back of the envelope).