ENERGY-EFFICIENT units brought in to replace old street lights have saved taxpayers in the region of £330,000.

So far, the council has replaced 13,000 units but the replacement programme is ongoing, with another 4,000 LED replacements due.

The lighting columns have been replaced on minor roads on a 'like for like basis' and a similar programme is set to start on more of the borough's major highways.

The works were part of a capital investment 'invest to save' programme which started in 2014.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: "Apart from the significant financial savings, we have also reduced the borough's carbon footprint and reduced light pollution significantly.

"Given the depth of the cuts in funding from central Government we are having to find innovative ways to save and this has been particularly successful."

The authority is confident the scheme will deliver further savings.