Friday, January 23, 2009

PUT THAT LIGHT....ON!


It's now almost a week since 50 per cent of the street lights in Brigg's Springfield Road cul-de-sac went out (OK that's one light, if you don't like the mathematical way of doing things!).
We used the council's recommended fast-track system (via the website) to report the fault but householders are still living in the Dark Ages.
Last night someone calling at an address in the street for the first time ended up three doors away, as it was so dark she couldn't make out the numbers.
Still, it's nice to know how difficult it must have been for Brigg residents before street lights were installed, and during the Second World War when they were all left unlit to avoid alerting German bombers overhead.
You may well remember Mr Hodges (played by Bill Pertwee, pictured), the air-raid warden in legendary TV comedy Dad's Army with his catchphrase: "Put that light out!"
I'm sure we are all grateful for our free 'living history' lesson, but perhaps the novelty is beginning to wear off just a little bit.
Seriously, it must be a very busy time of year for the folk who mend street lights across the whole of North Lincolnshire. And I know a councillor who reported one near his house not long ago and that took quite a time to get repaired - so there's no guarantee of a quick fix. However, he lived in a much longer road, with many more lights. For when half your bulbs blow that's quite a reduction.
I'm just old enough to remember when Brigg still had gas lights, which involved someone lighting them by hand. So we should be grateful for modern mercies like electric street lights.
Patience is a virtue!

1 comment:

Ken Harrison said...

If anyone wants a tin hat like Hodges - nip down to Browns & Co today, 24th

Lot232 - Army Helmet, bottles etc
and Lot 188 - Civil Defence and Air Raid Welfare armbands & etc.

And there's a few lots for you, Nigel, in your present street-light dilemma.
Lots 332 and 290 - Oil Lamps.
If the problem persists, you could threaten them with Lot 238A - a 1917 Bayonet!
And since you're a sportsman - Lot 105 - 25 Cricket-related ties.