Plans to make streetlights darker look set to go ahead despite fears they could make streets less safe at night.

Bracknell Forest Council leaders are proposing to dim street lights by 10 per cent as part of plans to save money. But many people said they feared the move would make streets less safe, when they were asked to share their views with the council.

Some people suggested the streets could especially become less safe for women at night. One said there are ‘already too many dark places for a woman to walk alone at night.’

Another said the move ‘could cause issues when there are already attacks and violence taking place.’

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Some people claimed Bracknell’s streets had already become darker since the council introduced energy-efficient LED lights from 2016.

One person said dimming lights further was ‘another joke’. They said: “The new lights offer pools of light amongst a sea of darkness. The town is already much less safe for those out after dark than it was 30 years ago.”

And another said: “The dimming of street lights concerns me greatly from a women's safety point of view as the switch to energy efficient bulbs has already made things much darker.”

One person did agree with the plan, saying that moves to reduce carbon emissions are ‘no brainers’.

Bracknell Forest Council did not answer questions on whether the move could make streets less safe, or whether the change to LED lighting meant they were less well-lit than before.

But executive director for place and planning Andrew Hunter did say that slightly dimming lights is ‘common’ among councils seeking to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

He told the News: “The changes will not result in any street lights being switched off, and minor lantern dimming is a common approach amongst local authorities seeking to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.”

Bracknell Forest Council did say that the plans would maintain ‘good visibility’ while cutting carbon emissions and costs.

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A council spokesperson said: “Street lights use energy and add to light pollution. By turning them down slightly we can reduce our carbon footprint while still maintaining good visibility.

“It also saves taxpayers more than £50,000 a year, money which we can invest in other vital services for local people.”

They added: “If agreed, the plan is to turn the street lights down by 10 per cent across the borough.”

The plans are part of budget proposals currently in the works at Bracknell Forest Council. The leading group of councillors – the executive committee – were set to meet on Tuesday, February 6, and agree to recommend the proposals to the rest of the council.

The whole council will then debate and vote on the budget at a special meeting on February 21.