WINDMILLS will soon be lighting the way borough wide.

Wigan Council have just signed a contract for all the electricity needed to power its 37,000 street lights and illuminated traffic signs to be generated from wind power.

The 'green energy' deal will wipe out over five million kilos of polluting carbon dioxide currently generated while lighting the streets by fossil fuels.

The council will now be exempt from paying a special climate tax on energy produced from coal or oil.

Normally the 'green energy' option would cost considerably more, however when the tax relief is taken into account only an extra £14,000 will be added to the council's annual electricity bill for lighting the streets.

Councillor Lynne Liptrot said: "As it eliminates a substantial amount carbon dioxide and demonstrates the council's support for the environment in a practical way, I had no hesitation in accepting the offer."

Yorkshire Electricity is currently the council's electricity supplier.