The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “W”) that provides Members with an update on progress of the Smart Street Lighting project, specifically, the work completed in the Bradford South constituency replacing old street lighting luminaires, life expired columns and the installation of the Central Management system and LoRaWAN network.

Recommended –

(1)  That Members acknowledge the progress of the Smart Street Lighting project and welcome future updates.

(2)  That Members endorse the project and the positive impact for Bradford South.

(Allun Preece – 01274 434019)

The Strategic Director, Place submitted a report (Document “W”) that provided Members with an update on the progress of the Smart Street Lighting project, specifically the work completed in the Bradford South constituency. The Committee was informed that the ‘Invest to Save’ project would reduce lighting and maintenance costs. The Principal Engineer acknowledged that there had been issues surrounding the mapping of lights, but recently lights had been geofenced into wards, so future reports would be more accurate.

The Committee ascertained when redundant columns would be removed completely as there were many throughout Bradford South and that they were unsightly and dangerous. The Principal Engineer advised the Committee that Bradford South was the first area of work undertaken by the contractor and that tracking removals was not in place at the time, hence the issues raised. The Principal Engineer also advised Members that an inspection team could be sent out to investigate issues and that Ward Councillors could be emailed when the information became available. The Committee were assured that the contractor would only be paid on completion and that the quality of work would be closely monitored.

A Member asked about street lights on Great Horton Road and stated that residents had complained that the lights were not bright enough and questioned what could be done. In response Members were informed that lighting was in line with standards and that any dimming started after 10pm, however some may appear darker due to light being focussed on the road rather than the surrounding area. The Principal Engineer assured Members that any specific issues could be further investigated.

A Member asked about Appendix D and noted the difference in variation across wards and that Tong ward had the lowest percentage. The Principal Engineer explained that lantern changes were much quicker to do and that during COVID the contractor had been unable to obtain steel columns for 16 weeks which had added significant delays to the project.

The Principal Engineer was questioned about Holme Wood and the ornamental lights that had been replaced. In response it was explained that there was a plan to replace ornamental lights with standard lanterns, but maintenance made it difficult to maintain consistency on ornamental lights.

A Member asked about a lighting unit on Ashfield and raised concern about the communication. The Principal Engineer told the Committee that the biggest challenge was obtaining up to date information from the contractor. Members were further informed that the contractor was facing significant difficulties with finding suitable subcontractors. The Chair expressed concern surrounding the project and the contractor. The Principal Engineer acknowledged concerns but advised Members that apart from column replacement the contractor was ahead of schedule, however there were difficulties being experienced by the contractor on the more complicated works.

A Member informed the Committee about a resident on Moore Close Avenue who had asked about the column cut down. The resident had been advised the work would be completed by September but there were numerous delays and despite showing as completed the works were still unfinished. The Member stated that there was a need for more effective communication and honesty. In response the Principal Engineer echoed the sentiments of the Member and acknowledged the difficulty with the contractor in relation to communication and information.

A Member asked if a local company had been contacted about the project prior to sourcing nationally. The Committee was informed that the main contractor was Amey and that not many other options were available in terms of other Companies able to do this type of work, particularly any Bradford centric contractors. The Principal Engineer explained that there was a huge requirement for civils resource, so recruitment had been an issue.

Resolved –

(1)           That the progress made on the Smart Street Lighting project be acknowledged and future updates be welcomed by the Committee.

(2)           That the project and the positive impact for Bradford South be endorsed.

(3)           That the Area Committee expresses its concerns in relation to the lack of clarity and information on the progress of the street lighting contract from the contractor, and that the Portfolio Holder in conjunction with the Strategic Director Place be asked to address the issues highlighted as a matter of urgency.

(4)           That Tong Ward Councillors be given information and kept updated in relation to the progress of the street lighting project in their ward, particularly in relation to the Holme Wood area.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place