INITIAL trials for more environmentally-friendly street lighting have been rolled out across the Forest.

Old-style sodium-based lights in Newent, Mitcheldean and Coleford have been replaced with LED.

It is believed switching 55,000 lights for more energy-saving versions throughout Gloucestershire will save the County Council around £17million over the next 12 years.

Modern LED lighting uses up to 70 per cent less energy than conventional sodium lights, offering a much longer lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: “There are so many benefits to using LED lighting. They’re more environmentally-friendly, reducing light pollution as the lamps are directed downwards.

“They’re great for communities because they produce a brighter, clearer light that makes people feel safe at night, and of course they’ll save us all lot of money - around £17m over the next twelve years.”