Erroneous closure for repair of Romford Road street-lights means that we must all suffer a longer delay

Romford Road repairs complete but lights still not working?

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On 18th November Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the Chigwell Row Residents Association, was informed by Essex Highways Team that streetlights on Romford Road would be switched back on, as work had been completed.  

The next day and for a few more days he was disappointed when the lamps were still unoperational.  Last week on 227th November Mr Chowdhry called the Highways Team to chase up completion, concerned at the length of time the repair was taking.  This was following a number of messages on our community whatsapp group. 

What he discovered was a shocking amount of maladministration as the Highways Team admitted that until his call they had not even realised the lights were not working.  The work had been signed off as complete on 18th November and we had all been left in the dark, both figuratively and literally.

We have raised a concern that the contractor involved in the repair should have informed Essex Highways that a fault existed. We have also raised concerns that no Highways officer within a two week period had come to inspect the completed work to ensure it was satisfactory.

This whole debacle could have been avoided with a more professional approach to project works closure. 

In the meanwhile I advise you that Essex Highways Team have informed UK Power Networks of the fault and it is hoped that the lights will be switched back on soon.

Today we received this email from a Street Lighting Assistant (her name has been redacted)

Good Afternoon

The repairs being carried out by our Supply Chain Partner were closed as complete, however it came to light that further repairs are required. I am awaiting an update to confirm the current position.

 

Kind Regards

 

Street Lighting Technical Assistant

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