A new energy-efficient lighting system is being installed at the Westmorland Shopping Centre's multi-storey car park in Kendal.

The improvement project, which aims to provide a "higher standard of illumination," began on Monday, September 9.

The initiative follows a site survey that identified the car park as having a significant opportunity to save money and carbon by exploring alternative lighting methods.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for highways and assets, said: "This project will bring many benefits, improving safety and lighting for car park users and also increasing the standard of illumination to meet current regulations for multi-storey car parks.

"The environmental and financial benefits mean that the capital cost of the works is expected to be offset through reduced energy costs."

The council awarded the contract for the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of the new LED lighting system to Colin Briscoe Construction Limited.

The project will be completed in phases, meaning the majority of the car park will remain in use.

Sectional closures will be in place at each stage to ensure the safety of workers and car park users.

A traffic and pedestrian management programme will be in operation throughout the project.

The work includes removing the existing luminaires, replacing distribution boards and circuit breakers, and adding an additional 154 luminaires and 118 extra emergency lights to achieve the required lux levels.

Councillor Giles Archibald, the council’s cabinet member for climate, biodiversity, and environmental services, said: "Installing energy-efficient lighting comes within the scope of projects the council can influence in our drive to reach a net zero position by 2037, as part of our five-year Climate Action Plan."

It is anticipated that the new energy-efficient lighting system will be installed over the next six months.