Frew challenges Department of Infrastructure over removal of street lighting in Ballymena

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to urgently address the removal of several streetlights in Ballymena, warning that public safety could be at risk as the darker winter months approach.

Mr Frew said he had been contacted by local residents concerned about the absence of street lighting in the Old Grange Avenue area.

“I was recently contacted by constituents who raised concern at the removal of street lighting and lamp posts in the vicinity of Old Grange Avenue in Ballymena,” Mr Frew explained.

“After I wrote to officials within the Department of Infrastructure questioning this, I have received a response in which they say that lighting columns were removed from this area due to corrosion around the base, in one case a column had collapsed due to corrosion.”

The Department confirmed to Mr Frew that replacements would be considered once resources are available.

Mr Frew stressed that the issue must be addressed without delay.

“The Department informed me ‘when resources become available, we will look at replacing them’. It is my hope that these repairs will be carried out quickly, we are approaching the dark nights of winter and a lack of street lighting poses risks to pedestrian safety, and security in the area.

“I will continue to liaise with the relevant people to ensure this issue is dealt with as soon as possible.”

Residents have echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential risks of poorly lit streets for both road users and pedestrians.

The call comes as darker evenings set in, a time when local communities rely heavily on adequate street lighting for safety and reassurance.

Mr Frew has pledged to continue pressing the Department until the issue is resolved.