How many calls to replace a light bulb?

AS a resident in an estate where, just like myself, there is a fair scattering of senior citizens, I am bewildered at what has happened to the ESB. We were led to believe the shake-up of the service would result in greater things for the customer.

For starters, we would have direct contact with a problem-fixer via an 1850 number.

Last September my wife rang the new number to report that the light outside our home had been out for about a month. A very polite lady asked for the pole number, and my wife told her it was nine.

The good lady said she would report it. Three weeks later, with no progress, I rang the same number. The kind lady at the other end expressed surprise and assured me the matter would be logged again for prompt attention.

I also gave the number of some other poles in the estate with lights that had since gone out and was assured that all would be logged for early attention.

About three weeks ago I rang again and was asked - again - for the pole number.

I was invited to hold while the operator checked the record. She returned to say the problem was first reported in mid September and she could not understand why the lights had not been fixed.

I was asked if I would be willing to leave my name and phone number, which I freely did.

About a fortnight ago we had some friends around to visit one night, and when I apologised for lack of public lighting I was assured we were not alone as other areas in Cork city had the same problem. I deplore the way the operator is put on the front line, while those who can’t be made accountable take no action.

If this is progress, then give me the old fashioned way of putting the customer first.

Joseph P Murphy

23 Manor Hill

Ballincollig

Co Cork