Neighbours win three-year fight for new lamp-post

Residents on Gilbert Close, Kidsgrove, have been calling for a new lamp-post

A lamp-post knocked down three years ago is to be replaced following a campaign by residents.

Neighbours in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, have been calling for a replacement post since the lamp on Gilbert Close was hit by a van, rendering it out of use.

They area had become “dangerous” because of the lack of light, they said, and the dark left many feeling “vulnerable”.

Aspire Housing, which owns the land, confirmed the replacement will be installed in April.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, resident Stuart Hall said: “It is very dark out here, you have to come out here with a torch.

“It’s not very safe for kids to walk past at night because it is a very dark spot now.”

The lamp-post was knocked over by a van three years ago

His wife Jessica agreed and said she was concerned about her young neighbours making late trips home saying it was dangerous for them at night.

Residents initially got in touch with MP Jonathan Gullis and Staffordshire County Council before finding out the land was owned by Aspire.

Residents have complained that the street is now too dark

Mr Hall said Aspire has written to Mr Gullis and confirmed a new lamp-post would be installed in April.

“Everyone’s happy. I think when the light’s installed we’ll be dancing around it with a glass of champagne,” he added.

Aspire Housing was approached for a further comment but the company said it was “unable to provide a statement on this occasion”.