THE NEW LED street lighting project reached the half way stage in October when the 6,500th unit was installed.

The £7.3million project follows government pressure to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

The Bracknell Forest Council initiative also involves replacing 1,000 older street lighting columns, upgrading 200 heritage lighting units and reassigning 150 wall mounted units onto free standing columns.

Councillor Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said “It is great to see the progress of this project and to see the advantages already being felt.

"By investing in LED lighting, we will reap significant financial benefits for council tax payers in the long term.

"LEDs are far more energy efficient and last much longer which means lower energy bills and less maintenance costs."

The council hopes the project will save around £12million over the next 25 years through energy, carbon reduction and maintenance savings.

Upgrade work is expected to continue up until January 2019.