The economy, cost constraints and health & safety blamed

The lights that illuminate the underside of Putney Bridge may not reappear after the current refurbishment.

Installed 15 years ago they made the Grade II listed bridge a distinctive feature of the Thames at night time but budget constraints and new safety legislation may mean we have seen the last of them.

Picture: Justin Ward

In reply to a query about the lights from local resident Vic Condon, Cllr. Jim Maddan is quoted as saying, "There are no plans to reinstate the lights you refer to, due to the cost of installation, refurbishment and maintenance.

"Since the original installation there have been substantial changes in Health & Safety Legislation. There has also been a downturn in the economy."

We contacted Wandsworth Council to ask them to confirm that the illuminations were to be removed. A spokesman reply confirming that the Victorian style street lights that currently are on the top of the bridge would be retained but made no mention of the lights under the bridge. We await a reply to a further request specifically concerning the latter.

August 22, 2014