A growing number of residents are hitting out over what they claim is dangerous street lighting which is sending them back "to the dark ages".

Clive Richardson, 68, has formally submitted a complaint to Bromley Council over the grave danger he thinks new street lighting poses.

Earlier in November Orpington resident Carol Scriven, 71, fell and broke her jaw after tripping on a manhole in Orpington caused by insufficient lighting, she said.

Mr Richardson, from Chilham Road, Mottingham, said: "I began to realise there was a problem when I was trying to reverse my car and couldn't see the posts. I've had to stick luminous strips on them.

"I went to meet my wife at the bus stop the other day and I had to bring a torch with me!"

Mr Richardson, who lives with wife Barbara, 59, has said he will keep on at the council, and even take the issue to the MP if necessary.

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The music journalist added: "This is like the dark ages, it is not acceptable. It's not just older folk who are affected by this; it's anybody who's walking along as most people don't look down.

"For everybody what used to be a safe passage is not any more, whatever their age, but there's certainly a fear for older folk."

As well as the situation posing "an accident waiting to happen", he also fears for a rise in crime.

Describing the change, he said: "Instead of the old orange light that spread out, we've got this white light which doesn't spread.

"I understand there are economic elements with saving energy, but the way to do that is not to endanger the lives and certainly the well being of Bromley residents. It's even dangerous to drive now.

"This could absolutely help increase crime in the area, it's concerning."

Increasing the risk of fall, he said an uneven pavement - with dips and holes - exacerbates the situation.

Speaking of Mrs Scriven, he said: "I would think more accidents are waiting to happen, the risk has been increased by the new lighting. It's not an improvement; it may be cost saving but its compromising safety which is more important."

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He too demands action by the Bromley Council, with a review of street lighting to restore the "right" to safe passage on the streets.

Councillor Colin Smith, Bromley's Executive Councillor for Environment, responded to Mr Richardson's complaint on the council's website on November 11, where he wrote: 'If you want to save energy, best turn off ALL the lights so we will prepare for total darkness- at least then we will know where we stand. The current situation is DANGEROUS and UNACCEPTABLE [sic]'.

Cllr Smith said: "The reality of this is that the light levels are broadly similar to the previous lighting, with the majority of residents responding to our survey actually saying that the lighting levels were about right.

"Some residents, ironically, have even responded that the new lighting is too bright! The new lighting is a white light and it is generally acknowledged within the industry that white light sources actually improves colour rendition and therefore, it is not as simple as to talk about perceived light levels because white light actually brings greater visual clarity. 

"I regret that I do not support Mr Richardson’s suggestion that turning the lights off completely offers a better state of affairs."

What are your views on the street lighting? Have you been affected? Leave your comments below