'Frindsbury footpath lights back on, following a short campaign' - by Medway Lib Dem

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Alan Wells, has welcomed the return of lighting to a public footpath in Frindsbury. In a bid to make the streets lights safer, a campaign was started last winter to switch them back on, the lights have been out for more than a year.

New street lights were installed last summer by Medway Council, however the power supply to the lights is the responsibility of UK Power Network (UKPN). The council had reported the issue several times to UKPN last year, with no action taken to get the issue resolved. The lights were faulty due to a dead supply on a feeder column in Commissioners Road, which is maintained by UKPN. As well as the path, was also the cause for 4-5 streetlights on Commissioners Road not working.

Alan Wells said "It took time, but persistence has paid off. The footpath has a lot of usage, and has zero visibility after dark, becoming dangerous for vulnerable people, walkers, cyclists either using the footpath from Canal Road to access Parsonage Lane or vice versa.

The public footpath is very steep, but in the dark for people who use it either as a shortcut from Frindsbury to Strood Station or going to Medway City Estate, you simply could not see ahead of you at night-time, with the only option being to seek a longer alternative walking route. I reported the matter to UKPN earlier this year, but had no response.

The lights having now being restored, now provide confidence to walk after dark and offer higher safety, lowering the fear of crime. I am pleased that the matter has been resolved."

ENDS