Charity warns some estates could be left without light

THE REFUSAL of some local authorities to take responsibility for public lighting bills could force residents into darkness this Christmas, housing charity Respond has warned.

Estates around the country could be plunged into darkness as they are receiving disconnection notices from the ESB as the councils are not paying for maintenance and upkeep of estates.

This is in spite of a legal obligation on them, contained in the Planning and Development Act 2000, to take “in charge” residential developments, which includes the provision of public lighting.