A programme to switch back on street lights which have been turned off by Powys County Council will continue in Knighton and Llanidloes after the New Year.
Engineers have been working to restore some lighting and introduce part night lighting in Builth Wells this week.
After the Christmas break they will continue on January 5 in Knighton and Llanidloes.
The council, which has been heavily criticised for switching off more than half of its 14,000 lights in a bid to save £225,000, has now started a part-night lighting scheme as a result of a review.
It means lamps will be on between 4.30pm and 12.30am, but they will go off for the rest of the night until 5.30am when they will stay on until it becomes light.
The council said that by today (Friday) about 400 lamps would have been switched back on in Llandrindod Wells, Rhayader, Howey, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llanyre, St Harmon and Elan Village. Work started in Builth Wells on Wednesday and was expected to finish today. A council spokesman said other communities would benefit from the scheme as the review progressed.
He added that the council’s governing board had always planned to review the street light switch-off project once lamps in the county had been turned off.
“There were three options for the town and community councils and the one which seems to be the most popular is switching to part night lighting,” he told the Journal. “For every 10 all- night lights taken out, communities can have 17 part- night lights switched on.
“Community councils have agreed to keep some lights off.
“There will be significantly more lights on during the main part of the evening and lights will still operate at sensitive areas, for example pelican crossings and other traffic calming areas.
“This proves that the authority is listening and responding to community comments.”
But Jonathan Greatorex of the Light up Powys campaign said the council had realised they had made a “dreadful mistake”.
“It really is not by any stretch of the imagination suitable, but it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
“Officials have finally realised they have made a dreadful mistake. They are slowly seeing the light…”
In Llandrindod Wells, previously dark areas including Cefnllys Lane and Broadway, Woodlands and Tremont Park, have had their lights restored for part of the night.
Councillor Sarah Millington hailed the decision as a victory for almost 1,000 residents who had complained.
She said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to switch a substantial amount of lights back on and give them back to the community.”
Councillor Mike Hodges said he had already received about 30 calls from delighted residents.
