MORE than a year after first raising the issue, councillors have repeated a call for an audit to take place to ensure that residents are safe on roads and pathways near their homes.

In August 2020 Thurrock Nub News reported on the appeal by Grays Riverside ward councillors Martin Kerin, Jane Pothecary and Tony Fish for Thurrock council to look into local lighting issues – with claims that significant areas of the ward were suffering faults in the lighting, with residents left in darkness.

The problem remains a real issue for residents say the councillors who have demanded that Thurrock Council carry out an audit of street lighting on Seabrooke Rise following a rise in faults to the lights and an increased need for repairs.

This demand is backed by local resident, Ian Zanders, who has been working alongside the three local councillors to secure repairs to the lights.

Mr Zanders said: "This issue has been going on for a long time now. I initially contacted my local councillors about a light outside my own property which was faulty. However, I have increasingly noticed more and more and need of repair.

"Instead of just reporting one-off lights here and there, we need Thurrock Council to properly audit all the lights on the estate.'

In a joint statement the three ward councillors said: "With winter approaching and dark nights drawing near, we need to be confident that the estate has all of its street lights in action.

"We need a full audit to carried out - not just ad hoc reporting here and there. We and our residents are happy to help with this to ensure that this happens. We want to leave no lamppost unturned!"