High Wycombe broken streetlight fixed after 21-month wait

The High Wycombe streetlight went dark in February 2022

A streetlight that was hit and damaged by a vehicle has been repaired after nearly two years.

The light, outside Mark Chapman's home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was struck by a car in February 2022.

It was cut in two, in order to be made safe, but remained in that state for well over a year, he said.

Buckinghamshire Council apologised for the length of time it took to repair, but said it had now hired new contractors.

The streetlight was replaced in November

Frustrated by how long it was taking to resolve the problem, Mr Chapman appeared on The JVS Show on BBC Three Counties Radio.

He said he made the council aware of the damaged light and it was secured the day it was hit - but then nothing happened.

When he reported it again, he said he was told it was not an issue.

"I wanted it repaired as, through the winter months, my mother comes up to see me. It needs to be safe," he said.

After it was contacted by The JVS Show, the council initially said the work would be completed before the clocks went back on 29 October.

The issue was eventually resolved on 23 November.

"You have illuminated my world, it's absolutely fantastic", Mr Chapman told the programme.

"Twenty-one months, but they got there in the end."

The new LED light is now in place

Steven Broadbent, cabinet member for transport, said: "We are aware of the ongoing issues with this streetlight and apologise for the length of time it has taken to repair it.

"This April, we have changed the way we deliver highway maintenance, hiring new contractors to deliver both design and maintenance - including repairing streetlights."

The council said over the past eight months, more than 1,150 broken or damaged streetlights had been fixed, and all lanterns were being upgraded to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Issues should be reported via Fix My Street., it added.