DARKER nights are coming to Bude as Cornwall Council announces the switch-off of streetlights in the town.

Last year it was revealed that some streetlights in North Cornwall would be turned off or dimmed during the night in an effort to save money by Cornwall Council. Now, six months later, the council has confirmed that Bude’s lights are set for the same.

Since 2012, the council has been running an initiative to save funds by altering the brightness of streetlights across Cornwall. Now, the body is changing the period in which these lights are switched on all together.

A spokesperson for the council said: “To help reduce light pollution some of our lights are turned off part of the night, usually between midnight and 5am. This will help meet the Council's ambition to become Carbon Neutral by 2030. It will also reduce light pollution.”

With the next phase effecting areas of Bude from January 26, the town will see fewer lights switched on during the night.

However, despite cutting costs, the council has confirmed that residents’ council tax will not be reduced as a result.

The spokesperson continued: “Council tax will not be reduced as part of this initiative. The streetlighting energy cost per night in 2021 was £5,274 and in 2023 had increased to £9,445 per night. Energy prices remain at the increase rate. The council must continue to implement changes to make savings both for the environment to meet our carbon commitments and manage budgets.”

Following 2025’s changes, Stratton has already seen nearly 90 lamps switched off each night, with Poughill also seeing more than 30 included within the scheme.

While the council has not yet expressed how many lights are penned for the switch-off or their location, residents will be hoping they’re not left in the dark.