AN 82-YEAR-OLD pensioner claims that the outside lights at his Home Group housing association estate in Millom have not worked in five years.

Terry Thompson, who lives on Leyfield Close, said his wife will soon return from hospital after having a stroke and he is worried about safety.

"We've been going on about lighting here for five years," Terry claims. Such is the darkness outside the house that Terry said: "It's very dangerous - a lot are frightened to go out in the dark." 

He said that he had been in touch with Home Group, including with the housing manager, about this issue before going to the press. 

Because his wife now has extra care needs after her stroke, Mr Thompson said that more people will be visiting the property and therefore the issue of the lights not working is more of a concern.   

Louise Barkes, head of maintenance at Home Group, said: "We have visited Leyfield Close to understand the issue our customer has reported, and identified a number of lights which are not working. Replacement bulbs have been ordered and an urgent job has been raised.

"Once these lights have been repaired, we will carry out the necessary tests to see whether they are sufficient in lighting the area or further work is required.

"We are also working with the local authority, as two of the streetlights which are not working presently are the council's responsibility. We will also speak to our customers to make sure they're kept informed and any concerns they have are eased."