EVERY single one of Wirral’s 27,000 street lights are to be replaced with new, energy-efficient LED bulbs.

The move, which comes from a £4.6m interest-free loan, was approved at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Monday, and is hoped to reduce crime, make transport easier and create jobs.

It was announced by the local authority’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Stuart Whittingham, and will take place over three years.

It’s alongside a further £5.95m invested from the council’s capital funds to replace 9,000 broken and damaged lamp posts – bringing the total investment cost to over £10m.

Cllr Whittingham said: “This investment is fantastic news for every Wirral resident. It brings benefits which are almost immeasurable. It is also much better for the environment, with the new lights providing more light while using less power.”

He said the news had “already been well received by residents”, with the light replacement investment coming from a £4.6m interest-free loan from government-funded SALIX.

Cllr Whittingham added: “It is a huge commitment and one which I know residents will welcome.”

Responding to Cllr Whittingham’s announcement on Monday, Wirral council leader Phil Davies told the meeting: “It’s really good news and part of our agenda of getting the basics right.

“This is high-quality, state of the art lighting and from a community safety point of view, it’s very, very welcome. I look forward to the programme being rolled out.”