OTTERBURN has taken a step into the world of green power with the installation of its first solar-powered street light.

The parish council responded to requests from residents who felt there should be more lighting on a footpath around the play area at Willow Green.

Clerk of Otterburn Parish Council, Martin Chilvers, said that before the light was installed the nearest street light was around 50m away at Brierley Gardens.

After Northumberland County Council estimated that a mains-powered light would cost £6,000-£7,000 to install, the parish council bought the solar powered light for around £1,300.

The light, which has two solar panels, was bought through a company called Dragon’s Breath Solar, and works by switching on at night when power is no longer being produced in daylight hours.

Coun. Peter Tully of Otterburn Parish Council said: “The talks about having a street light installed have been going on for over a year, so it’s good that it’s in and working. It’s always pleasing to see something completed to the benefit of the parish – especially something like this as it has tangible results that everyone will benefit from.

“As well as being more cost effective it also doesn’t have as much light pollution as a mains-powered light would, so in the future we would love to have solar-powered lights in more of the village.”