Cllr Tony Hassan.
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has been called on to “get a grip” of his department and ensure that street lighting is maintained.
The call comes from Derry Sinn Councillor Tony Hassan who claimed Mr Kennedy had instructed lighting could only be repaired if it was a health and safety issue or an emergency.
Mr Hassan, Sinn Fein’s spokesperson on housing, was speaking after contacting Road Service in order to have street lighting repaired in several areas across his Shantallow constituency.
Mr Hassan said: ”I was informed that the Minister has instructed local maintenance companies that lighting can only be repaired if it is a health and safety issue or an emergency.
“However, if you are an elderly or disabled person living in the vicinity of a lamp post that is not working properly then any decline in the amount of light can be a hazard if the footpath is uneven or there are obstacles in the area.”
Cllr Hassan added the Minister needed to outline what were the parameters constituted by a health and safety issue before someone sustained a serious injury.
He concluded: “I believe that the Minister needs to get a grip and ensure the safety of the public rather than engaging in childish party political games.”
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