Outdoor lighting used to illuminate Southend seafront

The use of outdoor lighting is becoming more prolific as the technology involved gets cheaper and more eco-friendly. Indeed, businesses and local authorities across the UK and in many other countries around the world are utilising such provisions to help draw attention to certain things and show off attractive features after the sun has gone down.

Last month, Southend seafront was added to the list of areas benefiting from modern lighting. Six large columns on Marine Parade were switched on for the first time to illuminate the Golden Mile.Using state-of-the-art technology, the columns are able to create moving shapes, pictures and words in a variety of colours,the Essex Echo reports.

Commenting on the development, Conservative councillor for enterprise, tourism and regeneration Ian Robertson said: “One of the pride and joys of this town is the Golden Mile and these lights will really help to enhance it. They will help open up the wonderful beaches we have, which are the jewels in our crown, particularly at night. Brighton and other places don’t have anything like this.”

Local officials will no doubt be hoping that the addition of such outdoor lighting to the seafront will attract more people to the area, generating additional revenue for the town.Meanwhile, Simon Patterson, chairman of the Seafront Traders’ Association, remarked: “I think the lights look absolutely spectacular. They’ll enhance the seafront no end and will make night times even better down here.”

The modern lighting project was only one of a number of initiatives intended to boost the area,with others including Cuckoo Corner,Victoria Gateway and Progress Road.However,councils may now struggle to implement new projects involving modern lighting and other such things as a result of the austerity measures being implemented by the government.In a bid to reduce the fiscal deficit,the coalition administration is cutting funding to local authorities,forcing them to rein in their spending.