Battle to save Westminster's historic gas lamps from an LED upgrade

Two centuries after the first gas lights appeared on the streets of London, casting a romantic glow through the gloom, a few hundred remain in some of the most historic areas of the capital. But not for much longer.

- Harriet Sherwood

Two centuries after the first gas lights appeared on the streets of London, casting a romantic glow through the gloom, a few hundred remain in some of the most historic areas of the capital. But not for much longer. Westminster city council is planning to convert 299 gas lights to electricity, saying LED lights are better for the environment and easier to maintain.

The plan is opposed by a group of residents who say the council’s reasons are “spurious”.

Their campaign is supported by the architectural historian Dan Cruickshank, who said the introduction of gas street lights in the early 19th century “transformed city life” and was “a significant moment in the history of London”.

The council plans to electrify its gas lights over the next two years, partly in response to the climate emergency. It says its replacement LED lights “replicate the aesthetic of the gas lighting and do not significantly alter the look and feel of the area”.

A spokesperson said the council also had a “duty to keep the street lighting in good working order and maintain light levels to a set standard.