DESPITE cuts to many of its departments announced as part of its draft budget, Bradford Council has also announced £54.3 million worth of new capital projects.

Among these is a huge £45 million investment in converting every lamppost in the district to LED lighting.

Other projects include a sports village, turning a former landfill into a public greenspace and bringing empty homes back to use.

  • Services to be cut and jobs lost as part of Council cutbacks

The Council says the street light replacement project will save money in the long run due to the rising cost of electricity. It is currently leading to an overspend of almost £1 million a year.

The proposal comprises the replacement of approximately 28,000 low pressure sodium units with more energy efficient LED lanterns. 17,000 columns that are classed as “life expired” and require changing to fit the new lanterns.

A Council spokesman said: “Where we have already fitted the new units, we have seen a 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption in comparison to the old units.

“The investment is projected to cost £45.6m and would be funded by a combination of corporate borrowing and an interest free Government loan for energy saving projects which we could not get for anything else. The investment delivers savings for the council’s budget from year one, from a combination of reduced energy and maintenance costs. Energy costs on the old street lighting increased by 16 per cent last year alone, it therefore makes sense to switch to this more cost effective alternative.

“Subject to the outcome of the budget consultation, a final business case would be brought to the Executive prior to commencement of the project.”

The Council will spend £1,961m putting a “cap” on the former Sugden End Landfill site in Cross Roads and turning the site into a green open space with public accessible wetlands, grasslands and woodlands.

Over £2.5 million will be spent creating a new sports village at the site of the former Wyke Manor School, complete with cycle track.

One million will be spent on accommodation used by Children’s Services - including buying a property that was previously leased and replacing another facility.

And £3.3 million will be spent to continue a scheme to bring empty homes back to use through enforcement powers.