Dussindale locals slam county council over street lights

People living in and around Dussindale Drive, between South Hill Road and Green Lane North, added that they were not made aware of the planned switch-off.

But the council says that it did carry out a consultation in February and turning off the lights is part of its plan to save £46m.

'IT'S A CLEAR DANGER'

David Bradbrook lives in Thorpe End and said: "The council's recent decision to switch off Plumstead Road lighting will lead to injury or death.

"This section of road is overshadowed by trees, has no pavements and is used by young and old when it's dark.

County Hall has come under fire for switching off lights along Dussindale Drive, between South Hill Road and Green Lane North (Image: Newsquest)

"The process used to gauge public reaction was flawed as it did not directly address those most impacted - the result is a clear danger to the public.

"The council has a duty of care to protect members of the public who are currently afraid to walk this road at night or early morning.

"Presumably this was a desk-made decision by those with no knowledge of the road or the local conditions.

"The decision was clearly as flawed as the consultation. This is a real danger and one you have a responsibility to correct immediately."

'IT'S DISGRACEFUL'

Jane Bagley, who lives nearby, added: "The decision to leave an area of a busy estate in total darkness is irresponsible and quite frankly disgraceful.

"From midnight would have been more palatable, but now the clocks have changed its pitch black from teatime.

"The estate is on a main bus route and the area which has been switched off is also opposite a dense wooded area.

Jane Bagley said the council's decision to switch off the street lights is disgraceful (Image: Jane Bagley)

"From a safety perspective for women alone, it's unacceptable.

"To make this even more dangerous the lights have been switched off adjacent to Plumstead Road.

"These routes are used by school children walking home from Thorpe St Andrew School to Thorpe End.

"It gets dark now at teatime and with after school activities the council is leaving these youngsters at risk on a busy road, let alone the additional risk being alongside woods.

"I know they say a consultation was carried out but it wasn't seen by residents here, who are the people affected."

'IS IT WORTH RISKING PEOPLE'S SAFETY?'

Tracey Cooper, who lives in the area, said: "The council have made the quite frankly incredulous decision to turn off the lights - and more amazingly - just as the clocks go back.

"They must be aware the area backs on to woodland and yet are happy to leave school kids, dog walkers and those using the buses to use these paths in complete darkness.

Tracey Cooper said she hopes the council revoke this ridiculous decision as soon as possible (Image: Tracey Cooper)

"Is the apparent money saved worth risking peoples safety for? Especially school kids and women walking alone?

"I hope they revoke this ridiculous decision as soon as possible."

COUNTY COUNCIL BRINGS FORWARD REVIEW

After facing backlash about its decision to turn off the lights, Norfolk County Council said it was facing "significant" pressure around its budget but has brought forward its review on the plans after the criticism.

However it could not provide any further comment after saying: "Any decision on the operation of the streetlights will follow the planned review, which we're bringing forward, following the concerns raised by local residents."

In February this year Norfolk County Council set its budget, proposing to turn off 1,000 street lights along 33 Norfolk roads to save money.

Officials said the areas were picked to have minimal impact on drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, with police and emergency services consulted to ensure changes will not increase crime.

Norfolk County Council said it was facing significant pressure around its budget (Image: Google Maps)