Street light covers stolen

Street light covers continue to be stolen with scores of small metal doors, used to gain access to street lights, being stolen in Crewe, Nantwich and Shavington.

The stainless steel doors cover the base of a street light, allowing an electrician to repair a light and providing protection for the public from the potentially lethal 240 volt electric cables contained within.

Last night, 30 doors were stolen from lights on Ashcroft Avenue and Lordsmill Road, in Shavington. A total of 195 have been stolen in the Crewe and Nantwich area since May.

Cheshire East Council has now taken urgent action, providing temporary doors until replacements are delivered at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £11,500.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services, said: "This is a pointless crime; the doors have very little scrap value. Not only is removing the doors creating a massive danger to the public but the cost of replacing them is significant.

"I would urge anyone who spots a missing street light door to report it to Cheshire East Council. If you see anyone tampering with the doors please report it to the police."

The number to contact Cheshire East Council is: 0845 002 0666

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