11,000 homes have 'right to light'

The agency says it is carrying out “emergency” work despite a delay in the agreement of a new maintenance contract, blamed on “procurement issues”.

East Antrim MLA David Hilditch has urged officials to resolute the impasse, stating: “Winter is coming and we have some 11,000 householders in Carrickfergus who are paying rates; it is unfair to expect them to go without lighting during the winter months.

“Our constituents have the right to street lighting outside their homes or whilst travelling in their cars and walking along our roads.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Regional Development said: “Roads Service is doing all it can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”