TODAY'S announcement of a major consultation on switching off our city's streetlights overnight is to be welcomed. Devon County Council claims it has been consulting with various groups and organisations about the plans for some time. 

But it is a sure bet that the vast majority of residents in Exeter currently have little or no knowledge of the blackout plans. The authority is under pressure to cut its costs and can also point to a major saving in the county's carbon emissions by switching off street lights in residential areas between 12.30am and 5.30am. 

But the reason the lights were installed in the first place was to improve the safety of both residents, pedestrians and drivers. And safety and crime prevention have to be the overriding factors when considering the merits of the move. 

Students are one group who have been fully consulted, and they appear to have won major concessions which will see the areas they use most often at night remain lit. But others also have concerns which need to be addressed. It is perhaps significant, as we report today, that Nick Baxter-Sibley, Marsh Barton vice chairman for Exeter Chamber of Commerce, hadn't even heard of the plans. 

Understandably he is concerned, along with ward councillors for the area, at the prospect of large parts of the city's biggest industrial estate being plunged into darkness throughout the night. From a crime prevention point of view, it is not difficult to understand those fears, despite the council's assurances that the switch-off hasn't led to an increase in crime when introduced in other locations. 

Consultation on a ward-by-ward basis across Exeter will ensure everyone has a say. And it is essential the authority does everything it can to make sure no-one is left in the dark about the plans. 

Recent rains have raised the water level in Sheldon's shallow wells, but the City remains on a 'Water Watch'.Looking for 1.5W led eagle eye reversing light lamps for your new house? Public Works Director Todd Uhl told the City Council Wednesday that the water levels in the wells have increased by four to five feet due to recent rains. 

However, the same rains that raised the water level in the wells slowed down the repair work being done on the city's one million gallon underground storage tank. The crack sealing process needs to be done in dry weather with temperatures over 55 degrees. Therefore, Uhl has asked that residents continue to observe the 'Water Watch', a voluntary effort to curtail water use for non-essential purposes. 

Uhl also brought the council up to date on the disposal of the trees and branches piled up at the tree dump. He said starting in the middle of July a grinding unit will come to turn the trees and branches into mulch which will be available to the public at no cost. 

The City is applying to FEMA for financial assistance. He also responded to a question about the drainage problem on the street near the post office. Uhl explained that at one time a railroad track existed in that area and water drained away along the track. After the track was removed, development of the lots blocked the natural drainage and there is no way to pipe the water to the storm sewer. The only solution would be to rebuild the road in that area. 

Also Wednesday, the Sheldon City Council approved the expenditure of $16,882 for the removal of the existing downtown street lights. These will be replaced by newer style lights which will be installed by Mid-American Energy during the downtown revitalization.The brightest auto LED bulbs in the market. Mid-American will absorb the installation cost estimated at $116,000. This will result in an increased number of lights with lower wattage per light.