Poor installation of new lamp columns

11.00.00pm GMT Thu 7th Feb 2008

'Footpath closed' due to poor installation of lamp columns

Many people are asking what on earth is going on in the programme to install new street lights in Lambeth. Contractors all around the borough have been digging deep holes in the pavements next to lamp columns, placing plastic barriers around the holes, and completely blocking off pavements and forcing pedestrians out into the road. Some instances have been on routes for children going to and from school, and many of these pavement works have been for weeks.

Caroline Pidgeon, Vauxhall Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson says "It's amazing. In many cases no attempt has been made to fence an area of road for pedestrians to use during the works and pedestrians are expected to just walk in the road or cross over until the pavement is clear then cross back again."

From Clapham Road to Caldwell Street, Trigon Road near the Oval, and Stockwell Park Road are just some of the streets affected.

People are being put in danger because of the appalling way the new streetlight installation programme is being carried out on site. Borough officers have failed, so far, to act when this dangerous situation has been brought to their attention. It seems that the contractors, Lambeth Lighting, and Lambeth Council, will just carry on putting lives at risk by their shoddy and dangerous methods of working.