Residents of a Haverhill street were left ‘vulnerable’ and unsafe’ due to a landlord’s failure to fix damaged street lights – 80 per cent of which allegedly do not work.
The issue faced by people living in Garlands Close was initially reported in August to Samphire Homes, part of the Flagship Group.
Samphire has a responsibility for maintenance of the streetlights, says Cllr Andrew Martin, representative of Haverhill West on West Suffolk Council.
Cllr Andrew Martin with residents of Garlands Close in Haverhill. They are unhappy that about 80 per cent of the street lighting is not working and has not been fixed despite numerous requests over many months. Picture: Mark Westley
He said that despite numerous assurances from Samphire that the lights would be repaired in a timely manner, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that 80 per cent of them are now not working.
Cllr Martin said: “I was recently approached by residents of Garlands Close who are extremely concerned at the situation regarding streetlights not working and their difficulty in getting Samphire Homes to undertake these essential repairs.
“The lack of adequate lighting poses a significant risk to the health and safety of all residents and visitors to the area.
Cllr Andrew Martin with two residents of Garlands Close in Haverhill, where 80 per cent of the street lighting is not working. Picture: Mark Westley
“I am very concerned that unless this situation is remedied quickly a resident or visitor to the area will sustain a serious injury.
“A group of residents and myself recently walked around the area and I was shocked at the number of lights that were not working.
“I have been in regular contact with Samphire’s head of housing, who has again offered assurances that the work will be undertaken as soon as possible and offered apologies to residents, however I have little faith in these assurances due to the lack of action by Samphire.
“I would urge them to carry out these repairs immediately and provide the residents of Garlands Close with the service they expect and deserve.”
Garlands Close resident Angela Claxton said: “We reached out to Samphire back in the summer to report that two-thirds of the streetlights on Garlands Close are out of action.
“For the past 14 years, the lights have worked intermittently, but the situation has clearly deteriorated recently.
“Initially, we called the general repair number and were repeatedly promised that someone would ‘look into it’ after each of our countless calls.
“Eventually, our concern was passed on to the tenants’ voice team.
“We were then assured that a contractor would handle the issue.
“Within the last month, a contractor arrived an erected scaffolding to fix just one of the lights which were not working.
“They discovered it wasn’t just a simple bulb issue, dismantled the scaffolding, and left without any explanation.
”When we called for an update, they said they were sending a repairs contractor. Yet here we are, with no one having come out, and the lights still are not working.
“Outside my house it’s pitch black. I can’t even see to step safely or get my key in the door.
“I’m constantly anxious and feel very vulnerable, it’s ridiculous that I should feel this way when leaving my parked car or walking around the estate.
“I know we’re not alone in feeling this way – our neighbours and everyone else on the estate feel this way too.
“We are incredibly disappointed that Samphire seems to be dragging their feet on addressing this critical issue with zero updates or feedback.”
A Samphire spokesperson said: “We deeply regret the delay in resolving the street lighting issues in Garlands Close. It has not yet been confirmed whether we own these lights, or if they are owned by a local authority.
“But the safety of our customers is our priority, so we are doing everything we can to expedite the necessary repairs.”
A subcontractor was due be at Garlands Close yesterday to repair what fittings they can, added the spokesperson, who continued: “We appreciate the patience of the residents and Cllr Martin, and we are committed to keeping them updated as we work to resolve the issue promptly.”
•A spokesman for Samphire this morning confirmed that the contractor was able to get all the lights working again when they visited on Thursday.