Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality, said:
“Westminster City Council cares deeply about the city’s history and heritage, and we share the concerns of people campaigning to preserve Westminster’s gas lamps.
“There are around 300 Victorian gas lamps still in use in Westminster and the council has already committed to preserve and maintain 174 of these streetlamps.
“We have asked Historic England to inspect the remaining gas lamps to make recommendations on which lamps should be granted listed status. The council will keep and maintain all gas lamps that are recommended for listing.
“Any gas lamps that are not deemed worthy of listing by Historic England will be replaced with LED replicas, using materials that recreate the aesthetic of the original Victorian lamps to the highest possible standard.
“We believe this is the best way to preserve the city’s unique heritage while also keeping our streets lit safely for pedestrians and road users.”
Published: 11 January 2024