What Next

[jennyjoan]

I live in a cul-de-sac and for some months now one of our street lights has been out. I called some time ago and a daft wee fella said "oh can you describe the light" I described and told him the light was on the garden of a certain number of a street. "Oh said he - that was reported some time ago - we will get it sorted" - the lighting is bad enough in the street as in very dark - what next - I am not going to ring again - would it be better in writing. Thanks. All of us pay tax - surely to God - they can fix one bloomin light. Thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

You can report online now - keep badgering away.

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/street-lighting-and-reporting-a-fault

[Old_Geezer]

Surely you aren't actually expecting service for the rates you pay ?

[DaisyNonna]

jj, I too live in a cul de sac.
The council replaced the lights with new ones. Darker than ever before. They are also turned off at midnight.

[Buenchico]

We've got an incredibly active local councillor, who is constantly harassing our local bus, company, rail company, BT, the police and just about everyone else (most definitely including the employees of the district council that she serves on, as well as the parish and county councils) to ensure that we get the best possible services from them. Her email address in on my contacts list and also of just about everyone else in the town; she really gets things done when people tell her about problems!

Perhaps it's time for you to make contact with your own local councillor, Conne, to give them something to do?

[anneasquith]

Hi.JJ.I do think turning street lighting off at midnight is dreadful.and unsafe.

[tonyav]

So do I, anne. Council cut backs I'm afraid.

[Buenchico]

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/29/turning-off-street-lights-does-not-lead-to-more-or-accidents-study

[tonyav]

Interesting that, Chris. I would have thought crime / accident figures would have gone up.

[pixie374]

Our whole village has no street lights at all.

[jennyjoan]

Hi Anne - I am not complaining re lights being turned off at midnight - we don't have that particular light coming on at all for some months now. It does horrify me to hear that we have to "badger" for a light since all of us are paying plenty of rates.

[tonyav]

Blimey, why not pixie ?.

[pixie374]

No idea, Tony...

[jennyjoan]

Well Pixie you should be on the "blower" and of course writing.

A friend of mine once told me - "never ring - write as they (company) must by law answer you. Will give that a go next Monday as post is probably up the left.

[naomi24]

Our village has no lights either. I don't think it's that unusual.

[pixie374]

I've just googled it- apparently the crime rate is too low, so they'll spend it on potholes instead.

[tonyav]

naomi24
Our village has no lights either. I don't think it's that unusual.

It is in my neck of the woods, naomi.

[jennyjoan]

I live in a town and if you were to go to a swanky area of here - you would find every light lit.

[DaisyNonna]

No lights. No police. No burglars?

[naomi24]

It doesn't bother us, Tony. We're used to it I suppose.

[Buenchico]

Conne:
People often say that they'll contact 'the council' but they then only contact the employees of the council. (i.e. the people at the council offices).

To get things done you should always contact the actual council (i.e. the body that you've elected) and NOT their employees. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR. That's what he or she is there for!!!