Dim view on lights switch

OLD and new: a shiny new lamppost and the one it will replace in Abbey Road, Delph

FURIOUS residents have been backed by local councillors in a row over replacement lamp posts.

They claim telephone lines have been cut and new lights put in “unsightly” positions.

Homeowners across Diggle, Austerlands and Springhead have suffered electricity problems — and claim they were met with abuse from contractors after trying to protest.

Saddleworth councillors are now taking action against the botched installations and want public meetings on the issue.

Councillor Alan Roughley, who branded the move a waste of taxpayers’ money, claims the replacement scheme is unnecessary.

He said: “A large number of metal lampposts installed in Saddleworth villages less than two years ago are being replaced and scrapped. The new ones, which look very similar, are expected to last 50 years.

“How daft can you get? Who can say what lighting technology there will be 10 years from now, let alone 50, or if there will be street lighting at all in rural areas?”

Saddleworth’s lamp posts are being replaced as part of a PFI scheme, set up by Oldham and Rochdale councils five years ago.

Councillor Garth Harkness is outraged at the lack of consultation between contractors and residents.

“It’s quite crazy. As each street is dealt with, local councillors are getting complaints. As elected members we are very annoyed at the way things have gone.”

Contact Councillor Harkness about any concerns on streetlighting at garth.harkness@gmail.com.

EON did not respond to requests for comment.




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