Wrexham Council is highlighting the safety risks associated with climbing street lighting columns and reminding residents that permission is required before attaching items to street furniture.
Street lighting columns are essential public infrastructure that help keep our roads, footpaths and public spaces safe.
Climbing on or attaching items to lampposts can damage the lights, obstruct maintenance work and in some cases compromise the structural integrity of the column.
The council is particularly concerned about the use of ladders to access street lighting columns. Working at height carries significant risks, especially when undertaken without appropriate training, equipment or safety measures.
Ladders can become unstable on uneven ground, in poor weather conditions or near passing traffic, potentially resulting in serious falls and injuries.
Street lighting also contains electrical equipment. Any attempt to access fittings, open column doors or work near electrical components could cause serious injury and damage vital public assets.
As the highway authority, the council has legal responsibilities to maintain a safe highway for all users and to manage and maintain public infrastructure.
Anyone wishing to attach items to council-owned street furniture should contact the highway authority in advance. Any action taken by the council will be based on public safety, the protection of highway infrastructure and ensuring that public assets continue to operate safely and effectively for everyone.
By refraining from climbing lighting columns or using ladders to access them, members of the public can help protect their own safety, avoid damage to public infrastructure and ensure street lighting continues to operate reliably for all road users and pedestrians.
Wrexham Council thanks residents for their cooperation in helping to keep our communities safe.
