A CONCERNED parent has been left confused and frustrated after attempting to get streetlights on his road fixed.

Kevin Mciver moved to Thwaiteville, Whitehaven, five months ago, and says he reported three broken streetlights to Cumbria County Council, but they have never been fixed.

And as other residents have told him the lights have been “ignored” for years, Mr Mciver is at the end of his tether.

“The street is in complete and utter darkness,” he said. “I’m genuinely worried something bad will happen there.”

As well as being told by his elderly neighbours that they don’t feel safe, the father-of-two is concerned for his sons Jacob, six, and three-year-old Elijah’s safety.

Mr Mciver said: “They’re scared to go out, and it’s just so dangerous.

“You can’t see where you’re going – you have to use a torch just to take the bins out.”

While he’s contacted Cumbria County Council and the Highways Agency, Mr Mciver is yet to receive clear answers, and has “no idea” who to turn to for help.

“I just want to know who’s responsible, and get them fixed – lights are there for a reason,” he said.

As Thwaiteville is not a county council-adopted street, the authority holds no responsibility for the road or its lighting.

And the situation is the same for Copeland Borough Council.

A spokesman said: “Copeland Borough Council has never owned or maintained the lights in question. These were the responsibility of Cumbria County Council who we believe are now removing any lights that are not on adopted roads from their inventory.

“Our policy states that we will continue to facilitate requests for new lights, but only on the basis that all capital and revenue costs are wholly funded by a third party (such as a parish council or housing association).

“In this case, until a funder is found Copeland Borough Council is unfortunately not able to assist in the responsibility or repair of these lights.”

Although he has now been made aware of the borough and county council’s stance, Mr Mciver is still concerned, and frustrated that it has taken so long to receive any answers.

“If you visited the neighbourhood and saw for yourself how dangerous it is, you would be shocked,” he said.

“I’m worried for my wife and kids [and for] if they had to walk down that backstreet on their own – there could be anyone lurking around.”