Shrewsbury A5 roundabout in the dark because of lighting fault
A busy roundabout on the A5 min Shrewsbury is in the dark after the street lights failed an electrical test, it has been revealed.
The lights on Woodcote Roundabout, which leads to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, have been switched off because they are unsafe.
Highways England has now confirmed they will not be replaced until next year.
A Highways England spokesman said they are looking at a temporary solution to illuminate the busy roundabout.
He said: "The lights had to be turned off for safety reasons after faulty cables were discovered following testing.
"Further investigation has revealed the lamp posts need to be replaced. While exploring a temporary solution we’re now looking to replace the lights in the new year."
Shropshire Councillor for Shrewsbury, Peter Adams, received a letter from Highways England saying funding needed to be secured before the lights were put back on.
He said: "The lights have been off for quite some time now and I'm getting e-mails from residents asking what's going on.
"I received a letter which apologised for the fault but said the lights had failed an inspection and they need to secure funding to get them to meet the required standard.
"They say it's in hand but it's clearly not as I think they've been off for about four months now. Basically what they're saying is that the lights aren't on because they're not safe and they may be doing something about it. Getting any information from them is proving difficult."
He also raised concerns about the safety of the road after a lorry crashed into the roundabout when the lights were out.
"A huge lorry went right through the island," he added. "Everyone thinks its dangerous to not have lights, especially at night. Because it's an A road vehicles are doing up to 60 miles per hour and it's quite a busy crossing, particularly when the hospital is emptying. And at the moment of course, in the morning it's a bit gloomy so I just hope there are no more accidents because of it.
"They put up a sign on the A5 that says the lights are out but it's black text on a yellow background which doesn't do much in twilight."
