RESIDENTS in Richmondshire are to have the final say over whether their street lights will be switched off in the evenings.

Richmondshire district councillors have opted out of a county-wide scheme to limit the hours that towns and villages are lit.

They will instead consult parish and town councils on whether district council operated lights in their village and towns should be turned on or off during night time hours.

Local residents and businesses are also being encouraged to have their say by telling their local parish representatives what they think.

The county’s part-night lighting scheme, which sees certain lights switched off overnight to save money and energy emissions, will still apply in Richmondshire to lights operated by North Yorkshire County Council – unless there are strong community and highway safety reasons for a light to remain on.

All parishes will receive information on the review over the coming days and their responses need to be submitted by April 30.