New lighting has been introduced along a stretch of the River Severn by Shrewsbury Town Council to help improve night time river safety.

Eight new lighting columns have been installed along a section of the river in the Castlefields area.

The soft-tone LED lights can be directed at specific spots providing better illumination for the footpath, whilst also reducing light pollution for nearby residents.

Members of the Council agreed to install the lighting after carrying out a review of the current stock it is currently responsible for between the English Bridge and the Weir.

The report highlighted a minority of areas where lighting dipped slightly between two posts. The new lights, which work via sensors which automatically control them, will rectify this. As with all Town Council lights, they will remain on throughout the night time.

A number of bulbs along the pathway have also been replaced to improve illumination. A second phase of lighting is to be replaced with new ones over the next month.

Councillor Alan Mosley, ward member for Castlefields & Ditherington said: “Local residents and other users seem to be delighted with the impact of the project. Our initial investment has been money very well spent and there will be long term savings on running costs and maintenance. The lighting makes the riverside a much more pleasant and safer place to be in the evening.”

Local residents have been raising concerns about river safety after deaths which are believed to have been accidental falls into the river.

Last year on Sunday 23 November, twenty year old Daniel Hodgin from Madeley, Telford is believed to have accidentally fallen into the river in Castlefields after a night out with friends. During the inquest Shropshire Coroner, John Ellery, said it was probable Mr Hodgin had gone through a gate to the River Severn on Dorset Street, Shrewsbury, after getting lost at around 5.30am.

Mr Ellery, recorded a conclusion of “accidental death due to immersion in water”, at the inquest in April 2015.