31st March 2006

The Green-run East Area Parliament (EAP), the Council Committee that covers the Oxford City Wards of Iffley Fields, St. Mary's and St. Clement's, has just installed the first ever solar powered park lights in Oxford.

Each of the three lights, installed in Manzil Way Park off the Cowley Road, is topped with a solar panel which provides much of the electricity needed to run the lights. Electricity is exported to the grid during the day and taken from the grid at night when the lights are used to illuminate a chldren's playground.

Says EAP Chair , Green Cllr Craig Simmons, says "It took a long time to source the solar lights and convince the police that they were up to the job. But I am pleased that they are now installed and operating to everyone's satisfaction. They provide much needed illumination to a dark corner to the rear of the children's playground - improving safety and increasing the time that the play equipment can be enjoyed. All with a minimum impact on the environment. Hopefully, all new park lighting will be solar from now on."