Appendix 4: Newhaven and South Heighton Scheme
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Appendix 4: Newhaven and South Heighton Scheme File ref: Issue No: Version 5 Date of Issue: 12 November 2012 Review date: October 2013 1. Introduction 1.1 The approach taken to assessing equality impacts is designed to dovetail with the way in which the street lighting programme is being progressed. The overarching programme was agreed by the Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment in February 2012 but the specific details of implementation are determined as the programme is rolled out on an area by area basis alongside local consultation. 1.2 To assess the impacts on equality, we took the following approach: i) A full Equality Impact Assessment was produced in May 2011 (updated and republished May 2012) to assess the impacts across East Sussex to inform the decision about the overarching programme. ii) We will review the East Sussex Equality Impact Assessment every time a scheme is rolled out to a new area, to take into account the local implementation plan and the findings of local consultation. We will consider whether the findings conflict with the conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment and if they do, identify local actions to mitigate the issue. The outcomes of the reviews form the Appendices to the Equality Impact Assessment. 2. Area Profile 2.1 Summary of local demographics1: Newhaven has a younger age profile than East Sussex with a higher proportion of people aged under 44 and fewer older people. Slightly more households in Newhaven (35.1%) have someone with a limiting long term illness than in East Sussex (34.4%) as a whole. There are fewer residents of BME origin in Newhaven (3.5%) than East Sussex (5.7%). The ratio of females to males in Newhaven is slightly less orientated towards females than in East Sussex and this probably reflects the younger age profile of Newhaven. 1 Sources: Mid-year Estimate 2011 and Census 2001 (via East Sussex in Figures). Appendix 4: Newhaven and South Heighton Scheme Crowborough has fewer residents from non-Christian religions (1.2%) compared to East Sussex (1.8%), although the actual numbers are relatively small. Newhaven is a coastal town on the mouth of the River Ouse, surrounded by the South Downs, and has 11,171 residents (2001 Census). It is a ferry port and has a marina and an active fishing fleet. The town has strong public transport links by train and bus to nearby Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne. The A259 runs through the town and the A26 links Newhaven to the A27 and the C7 to Lewes. South Heighton is a small village on the northern outskirts of Newhaven and contains around 1,105 residents. No data is available on sexual orientation while characteristics such as marital status, pregnancy, maternity, literacy/numeracy, carers and part time workers are not relevant to this assessment. 2.2 Night time crime rates for the 12 month period August 2011 to July 2012 for wards affected by the proposed changes are shown below2. Newhaven shows a slightly higher than average rate of crime, with Newhaven Valley in particular standing out. Night time % of crimes Crimes per Ward crimes per 1,000 committed at 1,000 residents residents night Newhaven 56 16 28.6% - Newhaven Denton & Meeching 48 12 26.1% - Newhaven Valley 74 24 32.0% East Sussex 48 11 23.7% Night time refers to crimes that are likely to have been committed between 1200 and 0600. 3. Scheme Outline 3.1 The proposed changes (prior to consultation) are available online and will be updated if changes are made following the consultation. These can be found at: http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/yourcouncil/consultation/2012/streetlighting/newhaven.htm 4. Consultation Findings 4.1 A local consultation took place in July and August 2012 consisting of the following events: An engagement event was held at Sainsbury’s Superstore in Newhaven on 21 July (approximately 100 people attended including Sussex Police) and an event held at Newhaven library on 23 July (approximately 15 people attended). A stall at Newhaven Country Market on 19 July (approximately 30 people attended). An email was also sent to the 74 community groups in Newhaven alerting them to the proposed changes and to advertise the engagement event. We placed printed materials in Newhaven Library and at the town council offices with a box, so that people without internet access can give their views. A press release released to local media. 2 The information within this table has been taken from the local Sussex Police data. This data has not been verified or audited by statisticians at Police HQ, therefore it represents a reflection of crime rather than the authorised and fully verified 'Performance Data’. Page 2 of 6 Appendix 4: Newhaven and South Heighton Scheme 4.2 Of the 27 respondents who provided written comments, their responses can be summarised as: Positive comments about changes to street lighting 2 (8%) Negative comments and concerns about changes to street lighting 9 (33%) Positive comments about specific areas or issues 2 (8%) Negative comments or concerns about specific areas or issues 11 (40%) Neither positive nor negative comments 3 (11%) 4.3 A selection of comments pertinent to issues raised in the original Equality Impact Assessment (e.g. community safety, accessibility, road safety etc) are shown in the text boxes below. This first box contains in support of the scheme: Comments in favour of less lighting I think this is an excellent idea. Street lighting all night in our area is not necessary and having them all on all night simply wastes money and causes unnecessary light pollution. Good initiative. I live in the Newhaven Valley area and a few months ago I noticed a few months ago that the street lighting had been changed (some lights were switched off and others were left on). I am not sure if this was testing for the proposed changes, or if it was down to a fault, but now all the lights are on again. It was brilliant! Night time actually felt like night, less light was seeping into my bedroom which helped me to sleep, and of course the reduced electricity consumption, and the money saving is a nice bonus. I fully support these proposals as there is no need for all street lights to be left on all the time. I can't wait for you to make this change! As a resident of Ash Walk I approve of the valley areas proposed lighting changes. I live in the Valley, Newhaven. Think it is a practical idea, no objections at all. Waste of power and resources, would rather money go elsewhere. Could say stop light pollution, we will see the stars again! This is a general area-independent comment. You are clearly well aware of the BAA's Campaign for Dark Skies, and, as a professional astronomer with links to amateurs, I am pleased to see that you are one of the County Councils taking some action to deal with the effect of inefficient and/or unnecessary lighting. However, I would strongly recommend the use of full cut-off downlighting wherever possible and practicable. Despite the initial capital cost of replacement, gradual working towards the overall use of such lighting would undoubtedly save running costs in the long term. It would also concentrate the light on the street, where it is needed, rather than wasting it in the sky, where it is not needed. 4.4 Community safety late at night is clearly an issue of concern to respondents to the consultation as shown by the excerpts below. Concerns about community safety I really hope that you will reconsider your plans that could well leave walkers and householders vulnerable to muggings and damage to property. I think the idea is ludicrous. I babysit my grandchildren regularly and often leave in the early hours of the morning. How am I, or anyone else who may be travelling after 1230 going to see to make my way to the car which I have to park some way away from the house? I will feel extremely vulnerable, as I am sure many other people will, and feel for my personal safety as will cars and properties. DO NOT TURN OFF THE LIGHTS TOTALLY - surely by using some lights (yellow areas) IN ALL AREAS in pink, this will still save you money. I live in Ash Walk and have concerns as there are many steep steps including the alley next to my house, I would also feel insecure at night living as I do alone. I think it's dangerous to women who are coming back from nights out. It is not acceptable to turn off street lighting at any time during the night. Doing so will lead to Page 3 of 6 Appendix 4: Newhaven and South Heighton Scheme increased levels of crime and make it impossible to identify offenders in such areas. It poses a safety risk for vulnerable and disabled people particularly those who are visually impaired. As a single older person I don't feel it is safe to actually switch off lights, partially dim yes but not switch off entirely. Why are some roads split? Whilst I can see the rationale behind some of it as there are turnings off what about the people who live in cul-de-sacs which have no through traffic etc and therefore not 'borrowed' light when they are going home late. ‘I believe this is a bad idea as crime will increase in an area such as Newhaven, which in turn will have a knock on effect to individuals and businesses.