Waste brought to light

SHINE a light . . . local residents Peter Connor and Paul Smith

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COMPLAINTS have been made about street lights left switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for two months.

Peter Connor, of Salem Grove, who walks past the lamps at least four times each week on his way to the shops, said it is "pathetic" and a "waste of council taxpayers' money".

The three street lights situated in Lees Road, adjacent to New Earth Street, in Salem, were reported via Oldham Council's website.

Council officers have notified the service provider Eon of the problem in Lees Road and have been informed that the lights are now working correctly.

Mr Connor said: "The council are leaving the lights on for 16 hours a day when it is daylight but who has to pay the bill?

"I first reported them two months ago but nothing happened.

"I sent several emails, spoke to people in Rochdale and Oldham on many occasions and heard all sorts of excuses as to why we cannot turn off the lights but I have never heard so much rubbish.

"There is another street light in Quail Street that is always left on but they sent a team out to investigate that and I think it has been sorted. I am fed up of having to raise this as a concern."

Councillor Fida Hussain, the council's cabinet member for environment services, said: "Eon has been working on the faulty lights and has reconfigured the communication link that switches the lights on and off.

"We welcome and appreciate comments from the public and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"However, the additional energy consumption in relation to the lights operating for 24 hours is the service provider's risk and there is no cost to the council."