Plymouth square left in the dark as new street lights wait for power
People living near Freedom Square say the delay is a safety concern
People living near Freedom Square in Plymouth say large parts of the area are in darkness because new street lights have been installed but not switched on.
The five metre lighting columns went up months ago, but there is still no electricity connection.
Concern is growing as winter approaches.
Scott Anderson, who lives nearby, said a large area of the square is pitch black after dark, making it a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
He said people were feeling less safe entering and leaving their homes.
The square is where the old Freedom Fields Hospital used to be.
It is also used as a walk-through to the park by dog walkers.
Delays and disconnected lights
Mr Anderson said the lighting project was announced in February and the columns were installed months ago.
He said the road had been dug up three times and that on one occasion workers had disconnected much of the remaining street lighting in the area.
Mr Anderson said people had written numerous letters to Plymouth City Council, but felt they were being passed between the council, contractors and the electricity network as responsibility moved between them.
In August, people living nearby were told the council was waiting for National Grid to complete the connection.
A later update said the requirements had been revised or requoted, but there was still no confirmed connection date or timetable for completion.
People living nearby have also raised the issue with their local Green councillor Byran Driver.
Mr Anderson said the situation was not only frustrating but a safety issue, especially with the clocks going back at the end of the month.
He said: "The irony is hard to miss: a lighting scheme introduced to make Freedom Square safer has so far resulted in less working lighting than residents had before."
Council response
Plymouth City Council said: "We understand the frustrations of residents in this location and would like to apologise for the delay in completing the work."
"Our contractors put up the columns for new lights but there have been complications with the electricity supply. There are ongoing discussions with the National Grid who are responsible for the connection. We hope this will be resolved as soon as possible."