A GWENT council is considering switching off up to 50 per cent of its street lights.

Street lighting in Torfaen is being reviewed by the council's Cabinet Committee today because of the spiralling cost of power.

Torfaen Council says the soaring cost of energy and food, rising waste management costs, a lower than inflation settlement from the Welsh Assembly Government and other budgetary pressures have left them with no choice but to consider switching off up to 50 per cent of street lights.

The council is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and says switching off lights would save approximately 1,235 tonnes of carbon which equates to around 8 per cent of the Council's carbon emissions being emitted into the atmosphere every year.

There are 13,344 street lights in the borough which cost £400,000 to power in the last financial year. This is estimated to rise to £600,000 in this financial year and based on current increases will soar to approximately £900,000 in 2009/10.

Executive Member for Operational Services, Cllr John Cunningham said: "We, like other Councils, are facing tough times and tough decisions will have to be made. Any changes to street lighting will only be made after thorough consultation.

"Clearly, the world price of energy is going to significantly increase year on year for the foreseeable future, to levels that are unsustainable. The UK Government and Torfaen Council have given a commitment to lower energy consumption, which will reduce our own carbon footprint and the effect on global warming. It is proposed the energy used for street lighting is reduced but we will aim to ensure residential areas are not plunged into darkness. Any changes will be carefully considered to minimise the effect on local communities and on safety."

If Cabinet approve the recommendation a period of consultation will take place with a range of stakeholders to discuss local issues.