Only two of the 30 lights on the Chatteris underpass are working which is creating a hazard for pedestrians, it has emerged.
The lights are on a list of problems which have been reported to Tesco and Fenland District Council.
NE Cambs MP Steve Barclay has called for the work to be completed prompting a letter from Fenland which says they have been repeatedly let down by the grounds maintenance contractor which has caused delays.
The letter says: “Our local Street Scene Officer has been out to assess the site and we have stressed the concern over the areas appearance and have forwarded on photographs.
“The children’s play area is fully operational and not dug up but there is bare soil and weeds at the entrance from the underpass. In response the contractors undertook a cut to tackle all the weeds in and around the site, including on the roundabout.
“Further grounds maintenance has taken place around the play area.
“The developer is fixing the lighting problem shortly in order to ensure it is safe for pedestrians.
“There is a recognised electrical fault with the transmitter for the lighting but contractors have been on site and as a result they are all set up and working correctly.”
During the day the lights will not all be switched on to reduce energy consumption but only when lighting conditions allow.
The underpass has been treated with anti-graffiti paint and graffiti reported is being removed in the next fortnight.
The idea of a mural is being discussed.
The letter said: “At present the development has not been completed and there has been no agreement as part of their planning application for the works to be completed in a certain time frame. Therefore it is not lawful for us to force the developer with a deadline. As a Council we do have powers under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which forces work to be undertake in relation to painting, clearance, tidying and for works to be undertaken. At present we have been able to work with the developer to raise the concerns and have found them to be willing to undertake the works needed to make things right.”
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