Row erupts over 'heritage lamp-post' replacements

A row has broken out over the replacement of traditional-style lamp-posts in a conservation area.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) said its policy was to swap streetlights in need of replacement on a "like-for-like basis" in this part of St Albans "to protect the local character".

But resident David Kaloczi claimed this had not been happening "for years" and had taken pictures of "three or four being changed on Clarence Road that proved the county council was "not doing what it claims".

The authority said it was installing temporary posts on the road and permanent "heritage" replacements had been ordered.

It said it understood the concerns of Clarence Road residents and wanted to reassure them that those recently removed would be upgraded "with heritage-style kits to match the original appearance".

The authority said lamp-posts were replaced when they were no longer structurally safe but Kaloczi said he was not aware of them "just falling over" and had requested inspection reports.

He described the approach of HCC as "very heavy handed" and claimed money was being spent unnecessarily on temporary posts.

He said there were many "other pressing outstanding highways defects where public safety is at immediate risk".

St Albans has 19 conservation areas that are protected because of their special architectural, historic, or environmental importance.

A spokesperson for HCC said that "where heritage-style columns are outside of these (conservation) areas, we replace them with standard lighting columns".

It added that "as these works are part of essential safety maintenance, there is no requirement for public consultation".

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