Letter to Editor: How long does it take to repair a street light in Harlow?

Your Say / Tue 6th Jan 2026 at 12:25pm

Dear Editor,

HOW long should it take for Essex County Council to repair street lights? Around six weeks ago I noticed that two lights were not working in the area around The Chantry playground. I went on to ECC website, they were aware of a problem although no date was shown as to when they became aware.

However, these lights have still not been repaired. One of them is on the well used cycle track running adjacent to the playground. Cllr Andrew Johnson, himself an ECC councillor, referred to dark nights at this evening’s Harlow council meeting.

Street lights come into their own in winter. I cannot believe that there isn’t a department charged with maintenance. It seems we can spend millions on new schemes but not have the ability for essential repairs.

Yours

Peter Henegan

6 Comments for Letter to Editor: How long does it take to repair a street light in Harlow?:

A resident

2026-01-06 15:49:33

I totally agree, I also checked on this streetlight and emailed ECC about it as it makes this part of the park almost completely dark

peter henegan

2026-01-06 20:08:17

For clarification I wrote this letter to YH on 1812/2025 in case anyone is wondering about the timeframes. I had taken the matter up with Cllr Garnett on 10/11, he replied on 13/11 to say he would chase it. Just now I checked that the lights had still not been repaired. We regularly see pronouncements from Cllr Cunningham, the ECC cllr with the responsibility for lighting. His last one appeared in YH on boxing day where he said lights would be on over Christmas. Not all obviously! Why why why cannot basic essentials, paid for by our council tax, actually be provided.

Nicholas Taylor

2026-01-06 20:27:58

Peter makes a good point. It is one thing when a couple of street lights are out, but many of the towns cycle tracks pass through areas out of sigh and away from homes and shops. If the county council really want to get people out of their cars and on to bicycles or to walk, they must ensure that cycle tracks are well lit at all times. And while they are at it, the tracks must also be well maintained.

David Forman

2026-01-08 12:08:57

Also, Nicholas should mention a few more cops about the place. Perhaps if they spent a little less time parked up eating their Greggs or McDonalds they might spot a few crimes.

Reg

2026-01-09 09:00:58

This same area has an issue with people parking on the green spaces. They put up no parking signs and people park next to them! Don't expect any action any time soon.