A TELEPHONE hotline to report faulty street lights has been launched as part of a multi-million pound scheme to replace thousands of street lamps.

The £163m contract to replace and improve street lighting in Sunderland and the surrounding area is well on track, says Sunderland City Council.

The private finance initiative contract between the authority and Aurora Sunderland Streetlighting will lead to 75 per cent of the streetlights being renewed in the first five years.

Six months into the 25-year contract, more than 1,731 street lamps have already been installed and the implementation of maintenance programmes has begun.

Aurora has also been responsible for the successful installation and switch-on of lights at the Houghton Feast.

The council's head of development and regeneration, Phil Barrett, said: "Street lighting is a major concern for people who live here . Surveys consistently rank it the second most important service the council delivers to the public.

"This scheme is designed to address those concerns by delivering improved levels of lighting."

He said it would help reduce crime and the fear of crime, and lower the number of night-time road accidents.

The lighting designs are also good news for stargazers, because they are more efficient and limit the amount of light pollution.

* To report a fault or damage to a streetlight or highway sign call Aurora on freephone 0800 328 7658.