Street lights have been left on in the day in Stevenage because of a fault - flying in the face of Herts County Council’s commitment to cut energy.

Lights along Six Hills Way from Gunnels Wood Road to Lytton Way have been lit day and night, despite the council’s decision to cut lighting in areas with “low footfall” to save cash.

Until this paper contacted the county council last week, the lights had been burning continuously “for at least six months”, Tom Young of Coleridge Close, Hitchin, who works on Gunnels Wood Road, said.

Before the council acted, he said: “No one seems to be able to switch them off. The majority of these are lit every time I pass and those that aren’t lit may just be burnt out.

“I reported this to Herts County Council last November and again a few weeks ago but nothing is being done.

“In these hard economic times and with the green issue why can’t they be switched off during the day? How much has it cost us council tax payers? Please, someone sort it out.”

A spokesman for the authority, who urged residents to report faults to the council, said: “These street lights have been found to have faulty control gear within the main feeder pillar, meaning they have been switched on continuously.

“Engineers are looking to carry out a temporary repair if possible and also finalise the order for the permanent fix. Hertfordshire Highways is hopeful this can be repaired in the next few weeks.”

Do you know any other street lights that are never switched off? Contact the editorial team at editorial@thecomet.net or call 01438 866200.