Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says new street lighting for Yass will increase safety and reduce crime in the town’s CBD.

Mr Taylor said $125,000 in Federal funding would purchase new poles and lights to be installed at key locations early in the new year.

“The Safer Streets programme is targeting areas in town where there has been a history of crime or where there is believed to be a strong potential for crime.

“It is part of the Government’s focus on supporting regional communities and small businesses by reducing vandalism and anti social behaviour in the central business district,” he said.

Mr Taylor said new street lights would be installed at Coronation Park, Riverbank Park and cycleway, Yass High School cycleway, O’Connor Park amenities area, Railway Museum CBD carpark and the Miles Franklin Park cycleway.

Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey said the number of lights would make a real difference.

“We’re confident the use of these public areas will increase substantially after the lights go in. It’s important school students can safely use the cycleways early in the morning or on darker, winter afternoons. We want to encourage visitors to town to enjoy the walks along the riverbank at all hours and make use of other open areas around the CBD,” she said.

Installation is expected to be completed by July 2015.

Caption: Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey on the Riverbank Park cycleway where several streets lights will be installed early next year.