Lib Dem councillors have welcomed the demonstration streetlight at the corner of Etheldene Avenue and The Chine (N10). The new lamp is designed to be sympathetic to Haringey’s conservation areas where houses are generally older.

The lamp is approximately 30% higher than the old cast iron gas lamp columns, which have all long been converted to use electricity with a pipe extension holding the bulb. If liked by local residents, the new columns are likely to be used in a number of roads that are in need of new lighting in and around Highgate, Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Fortis Green. All of the new columns would be fitted with a lamp that gives a white light providing a better level of illumination than existing streetlights.

Lib Dem Councillors Bob Hare and Gail Engert believe that the new lamp could be the compromise that Haringey Council has been looking for. Many residents in Crouch End were dismayed last year whendistinctive old cast iron columns – many of which have the borough’s initials cast into them – were replaced with modern ones that were not in keeping with the surroundings.

Both councillors welcome the potential of the lamp, but say that it is important that residents look at the new lamp and feed their comments back so that an informed decision can be made. Lib Dem Environment Spokesperson Cllr Hare adds that there are a few roads both in the west and east of the borough where the period of the houses and character of the area may mean the best option is to restore the original columns with new lamp fittings.

Cllr Gail Engert (Muswell Hill) comments: “This lamp offers what may be a more suitable replacement for old lamps in the conservation areas. However, it is important that residents make their views clear on the new lamp and I would encourage as many residents who can to go and see the lamp and let us and Haringey Council know what they think of it.”

Cllr Hare (Highgate) adds: “It is also important that Haringey Council ensures that, whatever the verdict is on the new lamp, at least some of the specially cast period lamp posts in the area are restored to ensure that the area’s local distinctiveness and heritage is maintained.”