Councillor claims residents in a popular estate are frightened to go out at night because of poor lighting

Councillor Drew McKenzie says the Glenhuntly area has an ageing population and senior citizens are concerned about lighting and pathways as well as grass cutting.

Mr McKenzie says people feel their concerns are not being addressed.

He has now written to managers at Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes requesting that officials take a walk round the area.

Cllr McKenzie said: "The Glenhuntly area of Port Glasgow comprising Glenhuntly Road and Glenhuntly Terrace is a well-established residential location, regarded locally as a ‘good area’, with the vast majority of the houses and flats now being in private ownership.

"Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes both have ongoing responsibilities and commitments to the area.

"It is probably fair to say that neither of these bodies would consider Glenhuntly as a priority area but it needs a bit of housekeeping.

He says local people have numerous concerns and feel they are not being listened to.

Councillor McKenzie said: "The new LED lights only shine on the street whereas the yellow lights shone on the pathways which are uneven.

"It's a safety issue and people have told me they are frightened to go out at night.

"The view is that they are only committing the minimal resources to the area and only when called upon to do so."

The independent politician says he feels the residents deserve a bit of respect.

He said: "It's an ageing population who moved into these homes when they were first built and are now in their 70s and 80s.

"There are two houses with an 80-year-old man and a 90-year-old man and if they step outside their houses are in total darkness.

"It has also been observed that there are some lights that are on constantly twenty-four hours a day and this has been the situation for some considerable time.

"With poor lighting comes, of course, security as well as health and safety issues.

"The residents of Glenhuntly take a pride in their surroundings but feel that the council and RCH should be working with them to enhance the area.

"It is essential that Inverclyde Council and RCH recognise their responsibilities and make known to the residents clearly what those are.

"It would be advantageous if a walk-through assessment of the area was done in the very near future, both during the daytime and in the darkness."

A council spokesman said: “We would be happy for officers to join River Clyde Homes and walk around the area to see what the issues are.”

River Clyde Homes said: "We are more than happy to meet with Councillor McKenzie for a walkabout of the Glenhuntly area to discuss his concerns over the issues raised.”