Landmarks to be lit up to make nights out safer

Two of Wolverhampton's landmarks will be lit up at after dark all year round in a bid to make nights out safer and more welcoming.

Lights would be installed at St Peter's Gardens and Wolverhampton Art Gallery over the summer as part of the city's night-time economy strategy, the City of Wolverhampton Council said.

As well as providing better lighting during the evening, the illuminations would also celebrate the sites' heritage and their importance to the city, the authority added.

The project was launched after residents told the council the city centre needed to be better lit.

Councillor Chris Burden said: "Our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and diverse environment that helps people enjoy their evening in the city centre."

He added: "By lighting up these vital heritage landmarks along our cultural corridor, we'll be bringing light right into the heart of our city centre.

"Our city motto is 'out of darkness cometh light' and it's time that we take that literally as well as metaphorically."

The installation is subject to listed building consent from the council and approval from the Diocese of Lichfield, of which St Peter's Church is part.

Lighting solutions firm Studiotech has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the works, the authority confirmed.

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