Councillors Michael Pavlovic, George Norman and Aisling Musson have unveiled an innovative solar powered lighting scheme in Hull Road Park, helping to make the park more welcoming during the dark winter nights. The Labour councillors worked in collaboration with SolarVision Lighting Technologies to showcase the company’s latest programmable solar panel clad lighting columns, designed to have minimal impact on the wildlife in the park and save around 80% of the carbon used in standard LED lighting columns.

Today saw the official unveiling of the ‘solar wrap’ lighting, in a scheme which will create a safe walkway through the park, between the Melrosegate and Tang Hall Lane entrances, passing the centrally located community café.

Cllr Pavlovic explained the benefits of the lighting.“Users of the park, including pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers have been saying for years that, during the winter months especially, they were unable to use the park as it was so dark. The cost of a grid connected scheme was not viable so we looked for a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective lighting scheme and the SolarVision lighting columns are the perfect solution.

“This is the first scheme of its type in the north of England and we are very proud that we can now open up the park for the people of Tang Hall for longer each day and for more months of the year.

“Not only that, but the latest technology ensures light pollution is minimised.  Power levels are programmed to reduce later in the evenings and motion sensors enhance paths when they’re being used, before powering down when a person has passed.

“The impact on wildlife, near neighbours and public safety have been at the forefront of the months of planning for this scheme and I’d like to thank SolarVision Lighting Technologies who’ve been fantastic to work with, as well as our council officers who’ve helped us to make this happen.

“This continues the commitment of Hull Road Ward Councillors to enhancing the park as a focal point for residents in this part of the city”.

SolarVision provided the columns at much lower than market rate cost to showcase their product to other councils across the north of England.