THE main bridge in Worcester is to set to be seen in a whole new light.

Plans are in place to replace 104 old lights with 96 new ones on the balustrade and arches of the main crossing over the river Severn in the city centre.

The work will cost £116,000 to complete but chiefs estimate the new lights will help save 75 per cent on current electricity costs in that area.

The proposal was approved by Worcester City Council’s planning committee on Thursday.

The street lights, including the column mounted lanterns, do not form part of this scheme and will remain unchanged.

Worcestershire County Council is hoping to carry out the work on the grade two listed bridge in March.

A spokesman said: “All of the lights are being replaced because the fittings are past it and old.”

There are currently 80 fluorescent lights and 24 floodlights on the bridge and they will be replaced with LED bulbs, all of which are fitted with enhanced vandal resistant technology.

“The new lights have already been trialled on the bridge to make sure they are sympathetic to the area,” said the council spokesman.

English Heritage did not object to the proposal. At the planning meeting, Councillor David Wilkinson, committee vice-chairman as well as historic environment and design champion, said: “Anything that enhances the attractiveness of the city centre is a good thing.”

The application received unanimous approval.

The way the new lights are to be positioned will create two dark areas near the river level which helps creatures, such as bats, to navigate.

It is estimated the work will take about a month to complete and will involve a one-lane closure which will have an impact on traffic flow but pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the other side of the bridge to cross.