On Monday, the GMB Union today called on Westminster Council to preserve 275 gas lamps which have illuminated London streets for almost 150 years.
The gas lamps, operated and maintained by GMB members, were originally installed in the late 19th century and were the first streetlights to appear anywhere in the world.
Westminster Council is seeking to replace each lamp’s lantern and convert from gas to electric operation.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said:
“These central London gas lamps are part of our heritage.
“Every year thousands of tourists flock to see them and it would be a tragedy if they were replaced in the name of modernisation.
“No one is arguing the progress but deciding to replace them will wipe out years of history.
“Westminster Council need to think long and hard about replacing them if it means that London loses some of its unique character.
“With the potential to convert them to hydrogen just around the corner, such a decision would be a short-sighted attack on our capital’s heritage.
“GMB strongly urges the council to ensure that they remain in place for generations to come.”
The actor Griff Rhys Jones – who is president of the Victorian Society – and the historian Dan Cruickshank have both called on Westminster council to drop what they describe as “catastrophic” proposals to dismantle the gas lamps.
Rhys Jones told The Times:
“It’s a rather magical thing, an old lantern in a street still fuelled by gas. It takes us back to a world of Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady or Sherlock Holmes, or London as a place of warmth and dignity and history.
“There are not that many left, but they still give a fabulous glow to the dark corners of some of our most beloved London experiences in Covent Garden, St James’s or Westminster itself.”
UPDATE 23/11/22
WESTMINSTER COUNCIL SAVES HISTORIC GAS LAMPS FOLLOWING GMB CAMPAIGN
Thanks to the efforts of GMB Union and others, these lamps will now remain in place for future generations to enjoy
Westminster Council has agreed to save almost 200 historic gas lamps following a GMB campaign.
The authority had planned to replace 275 historic gas lamps – which have illuminated London streets for almost 150 years – with LED bulbs.
Following pressure from GMB Union and other campaign groups, Westminster Council has now pledged to keep 138 Grade II listed gas lamps and 36 non-listed gas lamps in prominent positions across the city.
A further 94 non-listed gas lamps will still be converted to LED
The gas lamps, operated and maintained by GMB members, were originally installed in the late 19th century and were the first streetlights to appear anywhere in the world.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said:
“Well done to Westminster Council for saving these historic gas lamps.
“By reversing their decision, Westminster has preserved an important part of London history, as well as a popular tourist attraction.
“Every year thousands of tourists flock to see them and it would be a tragedy if they were replaced in the name of modernisation.
“Thanks to the efforts of GMB Union and others, these lamps will now remain in place for future generations to enjoy.”
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