Delays To Replace Broken Streetlights ‘Unacceptable’

Delays to replace broken streetlights in Market Harborough town centre have been branded ‘unacceptable.’

Safety concerns were raised at the start of the year, with areas in and around the High Street left in the dark because a number of lights are not working.

The floodlight-style lights on the side of buildings are obsolete and need to be replaced, but Leicestershire County Council has yet to find the money for the work.

Traders are unhappy at the situation following recent burglaries at premises in the town centre.

Kyra Williams, President of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, spoke to HFM:

A number of the aging lights have failed

Sarah Hill first raised the issue and told HFM it is unacceptable nothing has yet been done:

Pat Clarke, assistant director at Leicestershire County Council highways, said: “We’re aware of the traders’ concerns and we’re sorry the improvement work continues to be delayed.

“We have completed the replacement of the pole-mounted lights, apart from one which will need traffic management and which will be replaced soon.

“The floodlights mounted at the front of some buildings are at the end of their life and must be replaced.

“The new units will use energy-efficient LED technology, and we will also need to replace all associated electricity cables and equipment.

“The cost of this work is substantial and we will carry it out as soon as funding becomes available.”