An energy-saving programme to update lighting in Ashby area council-run car parks is starting next week.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is replacing all 59 outdated lights in 17 car parks with LED bulbs to reduce carbon emissions.

The programme, worth £70,000 across the district, will see new LED lights installed from April 17. The project is expected to be completed by early May.

Investing in LED is estimated to save the council around £6,000 per year in energy bills and maintenance and help to reduce carbon emissions by 57 percent.

Car parks will remain open throughout the works, with short temporary bay closures where needed.

The council says disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: "Upgrading the outdated sodium lights across all of our car parks will reduce our carbon footprint and save us money on maintenance.

"This project is another important step on our Zero Carbon Roadmap, bringing improved technology that will continue to keep our car parks safe and lit."

The car parks to be part of the upgrade are:

Ashby:

• South Street
• Hood Park Leisure Centre
• Hood Park Leisure Centre extension
• Brook Street
• North Street

Moira:

• Blackfordby Lane

Measham:

• Measham High Street
• Peggs Close