A FIVE-year programme to replace 55,000 street lights will cut carbon emissions by a quarter.

West Sussex County Council’s £270 million, 25-year contract with Scottish and Southern Energy will see 80% of the local authority’s lights be replaced by next year.

The council is working in partnership with energy firm SSE to replace all street lights over 15-years-old with “brighter, energy-saving” lights.

West Sussex County Council have said the new lights in residential areas use a whiter light which gives better colour identification and are cheaper to maintain.