Annoyed residents in a Swindon neighbourhood are demanding that street lamp left on for the last two years is turned off.

The street light in a wide walkway off of Queensfield in Stratton St Margaret has been alight for more than 24 months according to locals.

Mark Hemphill who lives next door to the passage says he is fed up after alerting the council to the issue in March, 2021

“I get that you need it on at night but it illuminates the whole of my back garden,” he said.

“It’s an absolute waste of money and electricity.”

Swindon Advertiser: Mark lives close to the street light and says it constantly illuminates his back garden.Mark lives close to the street light and says it constantly illuminates his back garden. (Image: Mark Hemphill)

The 61-year-old recalls that Swindon Borough Council recently changed the majority of their street lights to LEDs across the town but notes this one was omitted.

“LEDs mean a huge cost saving and they have been put up around Swindon but this one has been left,” he said.

“This light still has a halogen bulb in it and is burning all of the time, day or night.

“You’re going into thousands of pounds for it being on all of those hours in the day for two whole years.”

It is not only a matter of monetary cost to Mark but also one of environmental concern given the non-stop use of the bulb.

“LEDs use a tiny fraction of the power and electricity that the halogen uses,” he added.

“I see it as an utter waste of resources in its current state.”

Swindon Advertiser: Mark reported the issue to Swindon Borough Council over two years ago.Mark reported the issue to Swindon Borough Council over two years ago. (Image: Mark Hemphill)

Swindon Borough Council have addressed the issue on their website under a selected list of frequently asked questions.

The problem with this light in question as well as several others dotted around Swindon is that they are part of circuits which, if turned off, could cause more widespread issues.

“Some lighting columns control other columns, these are known as 'switch points' and due to the complexity and high cost of upgrading these, a decision was made to remove these from the LED upgrade project,” said the Swindon Borough Council statement on their website.

“These will be upgraded separately, in the future, as part of other works (c200 units across the Borough).

Until then, the switch points have been turned on to permanent supply so there may, unfortunately, be a number of lights 'day burning' until such time as these units are upgraded,” said the Swindon Borough Council statement on their website.