Energy-efficient LED lighting is to be introduced at Epsom Town Hall and at a council recycling depot at a cost of almost £55,000.

Councillors have given the green light for the investment on the ground floor at the town hall and the Longmead Depot in a bid to help reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The strategy and resources committee on June 25 agreed to the ‘spend to save’ initiative, which is expected to save £8,000 a year in electricity and recoup its cost within six to seven years.

Its chairman Councillor Neil Dallen said the investment would help save money, electricity and the world by reducing the council’s carbon footprint, adding: "It’s win, win, win."

Lib Dem Councillor Julie Morris said: "While money is scarce, if we can make long-term savings to running costs then it has to be money well spent.

"If we invest in 'spend to save' projects while we have got money it means the basic running costs of the local authority will be as small as it can be in the future."

The introduction of LED technology in council properties has already resulted in savings.

There was a 77 per cent reduction in energy consumption at Hook Road car park and a 49 per cent reduction at the Ashley Centre car park between April 2009 and April 2013.