Town councillors were torn over whether to supply electricity to new street lights proposed for a housing association footpath.

The proposal by Magna Housing Association to erect two street lights on the footpath between Anning Road and Jordan Flats in the town caused heated debate.

According to a report presented to members of the town council’s management committee, the council has received numerous complaints in the past about the path being unlit.

The report says that Magna approved funding for the supply and installation of the lighting through its community initiative fund, but said once the lights are installed it would request the town council take ownership of them.

This, the report says, means the council would be responsible for powering and maintaining the lights.

Estimated running costs for supplying electricity to the lights are £9.24 a year.

Also in addition there are suggested cleaning and testing fees of £200 every six years and full replacement after 12 years at a cost of around £600.

Cllr Rikey Austin agreed with supplying the electricity, saying: “It’s not a huge amount of money.

“It’s Magna’s path but it’s our residents.

“It’s important that we give our residents a lit path, £9.24 a year is nothing.”

However, Cllr Michaela Ellis did not share this opinion, saying: “I’m in complete disagreement with that.

“I know they are our residents but they are Magna’s tenants.

“Surely it’s nearer to get the electricity from their place (rather than the town council’s external works store).

“I know it’s not much, it’s just a matter of principle.

“We will be paying more and more.”

Committee chair, Cllr Chris Clipson, clarified this for members, adding: “There was definitely a technical reason as to why they couldn’t run it through Magna’s equipment.”

Cllr Lovell said: “What I do balk at is the full replacement fee.

“I think Magna should pay at least 50 per cent of the cost of that.”

There was considerable argument among members on the committee, with Cllr Cheryl Reynolds saying: “It may be a council estate as Cllr Ellis pointed out, but the estate is full of private owners.”

Cllr Terry O’Grady added: “Let’s not forget that these people are paying their council tax.”

Members of the management committee recommended proceeding with arrangements to supply electricity to the lights.

The recommendations will be discussed at the meeting of the full council on February 18.