A CLEANER said the lack of working street lights outside her home is "scandalous" and has blasted the council for not replacing bulbs sooner.
Joan Clare McDonough, who lives in Brunswick Place in Hove, said the street has had five broken lights for the past three months, during the middle of winter.
The 65-year-old, who gets up early every morning to go to work at 5.40am, said she feels "unsafe" when leaving her home in the dark.
She said: "For three months we've had no lights in our street. There are five lights that are out, including some by the taxi rank and one at the bottom of the road.
"It's pitch black out there when people are coming home from work.
"I'm 65 and still going to work early in the morning. I don't want to be thinking about who might be hiding behind the cars.
"It is very intimidating and scary not knowing what or who is in the shadows."
Joan contacted Brighton and Hove City Council about the street lamps in November and said she was told they would be fixed early last month.
She said: "I have been in contact with the council and have been told lie after lie that they would be fixed.
"At one point they promised the lights would be fixed on December 9.
"The bulb in the street light outside our house was hanging out and they came and took it out, but did not replace the bulb.
"I think it's scandalous.
"Now they are saying the end of this month. But if someone has an accident, who is to blame?"
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, the leader of the council who represents Brunswick and Adelaide Ward, said: “I was aware of the ongoing problem in Brunswick Place, and have previously raised this with our street lighting team.
“I appreciate the concern raised by my resident regarding safety and would encourage any residents who have a concern to get in touch with myself, or my colleague Cllr Clare who represent this area.
“Unfortunately none of the faults have been simple straightforward repairs and most of the repair work is the responsibility of UK Power Networks.
“However, we can confirm that three of the lights have now been fixed and replacement lights and brackets are due to be fitted to a further two lights this Thursday.
“We will continue to work with UK Power Networks to get all the lights working as soon as possible.”
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