QUESTIONS have been raised about the cost and energy efficiency of an ambitious venture which promises to bathe the city in light.

The York:Light project aims to light up city landmarks in an effort to boost tourism, support York's evening economy and improve safety by deterring offenders and reducing the fear of crime.

The £645,000 plan was outlined to City of York Council's planning and transport sub-committee (city centre) yesterday, whose members questioned what impact the lighting would have on bats.

They also asked whether extra lampposts would have to be situated around the city.

Coun Brian Watson asked: "Who is paying for this? I would hate to see something like this get off the ground and then someone says we can't afford it any more."

Outlining the ten-year project, Graham Phoenix, of York:Light, explained that it was part of a £2 million investment package, focusing on the city's heritage.

Development agency Yorkshire Forward has earmarked £900,000 towards the overall tourism project.

It was hoped subsequent funding would come from the private sector, the council and from savings made from improved street lighting.

Mr Phoenix said: "Some street lighting in York is very old and inefficient and in desperate need of upgrading."

He allayed concerns about any increase in street furniture, saying that most of the new lights would be fixed to existing lampposts.

Responding to questions about the impact on wildlife such as bats, Mr Phoenix said "contained" light would be used, not bright sky-ward illuminations, so it was not expected to pose problems.

He said: "We are focusing on lighting up architectural detail rather than washing the whole building in light."

Updated: 10:11 Friday, October 08, 2004