Sinn Féin Mourne’s councillor Willie Clarke has made representations to Transport NI in relation to street lighting provision in Ballaghbeg Park and Ardkeel Park in Newcastle.
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Councillor Willie Clarke with Chris Hazzard MLA in Newcastle addressing a street lights issue.[/caption]
Cllr Clarke said: “A number of local residents had contacted us regarding the removal of street lighting both in Ballaghbeg and Ardkeel park. This is leaving the area extremely dark in the evenings for residents, particularly the most vulnerable including a large number of pensioners.
“The street lighting replacement scheme should enhance the visibility of an area, not reduce illumination. This scheme will create anti-social hotspots where they never existed previously.
“The street lights were recently removed as part of a street lighting scheme,however, officials have made clear to me that they were not going to replace the street lighting in alleyways where there is only rear access to houses because this was Transport NI policy. Residents require street lighting to the rear of their homes for leaving bins out for collection and delivery services.”
“Chris Hazzard MLA, our South Down Westminster candidate, who also discussed the issue with residents, will raise the matter with Department of Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy in the hope a solution to this problem can be found for the residents in this area,” added Cllr Clarke.
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