Power giant under fire from parish councillor

BLOCKED . . . barriers around lamp posts in Sugar Lane, Dobcross force pedestrians into the road

ENERGY giant E.ON has been criticised for bringing problems to a Saddleworth village.

New lamp posts in tree-lined Sugar Lane, Dobcross stood next to the old lamps for two months before the contractor connected them - without warning anyone about the likely disruption, claims parish councillor Royce Franklin.

The chairman of Saddleworth Parish council’s traffic and transport sub-committee, said: “They didn’t tell First Bus or any other agency.

“I appreciate this is essential work but on one occasion at least they left their vehicle in the middle of the road, preventing the bus from getting through.

“Buses were diverted, depriving potential Dobcross passengers from the service.

“Notice of the date of the work could have allowed passengers to make other arrangements.”

Mr Franklin claimed “virtually no work” was done on the replacement lamps during one week: “Because they left barriers in place, everyone had to step into the road — dangerous on such a narrow road.

“I find it disappointing E.ON doesn’t seem to learn public relations are an essential part of any major work.”

An E.ON spokesperson said: “We’re continuing with the work after having some problems with the underground cables, which have now been resolved. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.”