Issue - meetings

B (Copy herewith)

2.1       Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Executive, Northampton Borough Council, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Chief Finance Officer (s151), to enter into a contract with Balfour Beatty Street Lighting Ltd to undertake a scheme of column replacements and lamp renewals to street lighting in the Borough.

Councillor Larratt as the relevant Cabinet Member introduced the report seeking authority for the contract to upgrade streetlights.  A survey of all 1300 streetlights had taken place.  Once brought up to standard, these would be placed on a maintenance contract which would be more cost effective than the current ad hoc system.  A further report would be brought to Cabinet in the autumn in respect of the maintenance contract.

Councillor Birch queried the service level agreement on maintenance; the timescale for repair was particularly important in identified high-crime areas.  Councillor Larratt pointed out that maintenance would be considered once upgrading of the streetlights had been completed.

The Economic Growth and Regeneration Manager stated that the contractor should be appointed in August 2019, with works taking place between October 2019 and March 2020. 

Councillor Ashraf asked when Community Safety walks would be organised to identify blind spots where crime took place.  Councillor Larratt pointed out that the current plan related to existing stock, not new lights.  New lights could potentially be provided through Community Safety, but this would be a separate matter. Councillor King offered to meet for a Community Safety walk.

RESOLVED:

2.1       Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Executive, Northampton Borough Council, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and the Chief Finance Officer (s151), to enter into a contract with Balfour Beatty Street Lighting Ltd to undertake a scheme of column replacements and lamp renewals to street lighting in the Borough.