Causeway Coast and Glens housing development residents' anger and 'deep concern’ over loss of street lighting

Residents of the Mill Farm development in Mosside say they believe the situation has arisen following the removal of an electricity supply by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

More than a dozen street lights are understood to be affected, leaving significant parts of the development in darkness during the early mornings and evenings. Residents say the situation is not only unacceptable but also poses a serious risk to public safety.

"This is an established residential development, not a construction site," said a local resident.

"People should not have to navigate dark streets and footpaths because essential infrastructure has been disconnected without a proper solution being put in place."

The issue comes at a particularly concerning time as darker mornings and evenings become increasingly common. Residents fear that the lack of adequate street lighting is creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians, children, cyclists, motorists and, most importantly, elderly residents who rely on safe and well-lit routes to move around the community.

"There is a genuine fear that it is only a matter of time before someone is injured," another resident said.

"The elderly are particularly vulnerable, and many people no longer feel comfortable walking around the development after dark. Residents should not have to worry about their safety every time they leave their homes."

What has further fuelled local frustration is the fact that Mill Farm continues to expand, with a new phase of housing currently under construction. Residents say it is incomprehensible that an existing development can be left with inadequate street lighting while additional homes are actively being built.

The community is now calling on the DfI and all relevant authorities to provide an immediate explanation, restore the power supply without delay and ensure that full street lighting is reinstated as a matter of urgency.

"We should not have to wait until an accident occurs before action is taken. The safety of residents, particularly older and more vulnerable members of our community, must be treated as an urgent priority.

"Mill Farm deserves the same standard of public infrastructure and safety that every residential development should expect."

The Department for Infrastructure has been contacted for a response.