Our lights went out for a month

Published 12 Mar 2010 14:00

PEOPLE from a Port Glasgow street were plunged into pitch darkness when their street lights went out for a month.

Scared residents in Skye Road were left without street lamps for four weeks after damage was caused to a lighting column.

The blackout left people left fearful of venturing out after dark in the street, which has nearly 30 properties and borders on to fields. Some residents resorted to carrying torches to get around safely.

Margaret Duffy, 43, said: "A cable was put out and from 10 February we had no street lights. You couldn't see in front of your face.

"My mum is in her 70s and I've been too scared to let her out in the dark. I have even been out carrying a torch so I could watch my step properly."

Margaret's neighbour, Lisa Devenney, 33, added: "It's been ridiculous. I even phoned ahead on my way home from a night out to get my mum to put the house lights on so I could see where I was going."

The residents contacted their councillor, Jim MacLeod, who repeatedly pursued the problem on their behalf - but the matter remained unresolved until he also alerted the Tele.

Councillor MacLeod said: "The residents were right to be concerned. To be left without street lights for a month is ridiculous and just not on."

After we spoke to both Inverclyde Council and Scottish Power yesterday, workmen were able to reinstate power.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Power said: "We heard from the council yesterday that the pillar in question had been repaired, as we had earlier requested, and we sent someone out to replace the fuses so the lights can be restored."

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 12 Mar 10

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