Residents of Great Easthall, Sittingbourne, face ongoing issues with non-operational street lights, raising safety concerns.
In 2003, the estate plans included shops, a school and a road linking homes to the A2. But these plans never happened as more houses arose. Residents feel many promises got broken over time, and sadly, they remain stuck in the dark.
It is hard to learn who fixes the lights. In total, twenty-two lampposts seem faulty now. Councillors Wise and Last are looking into this issue, which residents first told them about in late November. Usually, the council handles streetlights.
However, private owners still own some lights here. Wise says people just give up too easily. He adds that the lack of light is a safety problem. Some paths are very dark now, and a car park lacks light on Easton Drive.
People feel unsafe leaving their cars there. Wise said that he found twenty-two faulty lights upon inspection. One resident said her light has been broken for five years. Developers should maintain the streetlights here.
Over time, some developers merged or changed names. Vistry Group and Taylor Wimpey say are trying to fix this. Agreements usually transfer responsibility eventually, which would transfer the responsibility to the council.
Many homeowners pay developers through rent. Councillor Pollard also wants some answers now. “I have been going from pillar to post,” she said. Residents keep reporting the same issues without progress. “I will continue to pursue the matter,” she added.
Wise notes that the issue persists for months now. He wonders why fixing these lights is not easier. The system is getting people stuck on the issue. People contact councillors because they get dismissed.
Vistry representatives said they handle fourteen of the faulty lights. They appointed contractors to assess and fix the lights and are working to fix the issue quickly. Taylor Wimpey also knows about faulty lights at Great Easthall.
They have contacted a repairs contractor, who will finish soon. They told the local councillor about the progress.