Let there be light - Brighter streets for Manchester communities

A number of communities across central Manchester recently benefited from the installation of new street lights.

The lights, numbering 40, were installed in communities such as Williamsfield, Bellefield, Banana Ground, Top Coffee Grove and Blue Mountain.

Mario Mitchell, councillor for the Bellefield division, said that about 15 street lights were installed in his division.

"I put more than one in some areas. Across the constituency it would have been about 40 communities," he said.

"In collaboration with the police and the communities, we chose the areas which are darkest and are a security concern. So basically, we would call them the black spots as well," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said Central Manchester's Member of Parliament Peter Bunting worked assiduously to ensure that the project was a success. He said the impact of the installation of the lights will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of the people.

"I've got a number of WhatsApp texts and calls, especially from females, telling me 'thank you so much for the light'," Mitchell said.

Pictures of the installations of the street lights have been posted on Bunting's Facebook page. Many of the users hailed the development while others questioned when their communities will reap similar benefit.

One user, Ilene McPherson, said a street light is needed at Sunset, Knockpatrick. Another user, Nickisha Nation, said lights are needed for Melrose road, "which has been in darkness for ever since".