Whose bright idea was this?
Homeowner hits out at light site
The erection of a street light directly in front of a row of houses in Calderwood has sparked outrage among residents.
Disgruntled homeowner Marian Cairns returned to her Angus Avenue home after a weekend away to find council workers installing the eyesore a few feet from her front door.
The 62-year-old immediately called South Lanarkshire Council to find out whose bright idea it was to put a street light where nobody had asked for one.
“There is now a huge stainless steel pole outside my front window,” she blasted.
“The street lamp is going to shine right into my bedroom and my next door neighbour’s bedroom window. I’m absolutely livid.
“There are only five houses in this row and we all have security lights. No one asked for this. It’s a complete waste of time and money.
“I’m really upset that my nice view of the trees is now blocked by this monstrosity. I’m sickened.”
Terri Coleman, 56, who lives next door, added: “It’s outrageous. Why was there no consultation? I’m absolutely horrified. The council told me the area didn’t meet British lighting standards and they have a duty of care. I’ve lived here 20 years and got on alright.
“Where was the duty of care to me and Marian? We’re not going to be able to sleep with the light glaring in our windows.”
The ladies also expressed concern for their elderly neighbour, who is blind, adding that the lack of consultation could result in injury with the path being dug up outside her house without her knowledge.
South Lanarkshire Council’s Gordon Mackay, said: “Following complaints regarding the lighting levels on this footway we carried out a light survey and this identified that the levels at this location were below the British Standard. We are in contact with the resident and we will meet on site and see what can be done to alleviate the concerns raised.”