Lights out on street puts OAPs in the dark

RESIDENTS have spoken out a fter fau lt y st reet lights plunged them into darkness.

A blackout descended on St Albans Terrace twice last week, leaving residents frightened to go outside.

It is understood the lights were repaired but stopped working again on Tuesday.

OAP campaigner Dorothy McHugh, who lives in the area, said: “It’s pretty dark in our street.

“I usually take my dog out for his last walk at around 8pm but there were two nights I didn’t because the lights were off.”

Dorothy, who is secretary of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum, said it was not uncommon for elderly people to raise concerns about street lights in the city.

She added: “These streets are dark, they are not good at the best of times. It was quite dangerous on the nights when the lights were off. I wouldn’t even go to the end of my cul de sac.

“It’s bad in the winter when it could be slippy. When you are older you watch your step – older people will watch where they put their feet.

“I have it on authority from the council that they do not grit or clear cul de sacs.”

Another elderly resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The street lights keep going out and it’s really dark and scary when that happens.

“A lot of elderly people around here are frightened to go out at night because it is so dark.

“They are really concerned that it is dangerous.”

The 69-year-old added: “The lights were off for two nights last week but they were fixed. However, they have gone off again.

“The council must get this sorted as quickly as possible.”

Strathmartine councillor Kevin Keenan said he was concerned to hear about the faulty lights and said he would try to have the problem solved.

He said: “Unlit street lights just make it more difficult for people.

“I can understand their concerns about things like uneven pavements and being frightened of crime.”

Mr Keenan added he had reported the problem to the council.

A council spokesman said the local authority is aware of the issue.