By BRIDGET SCOTT
A HAMPTON Park woman has had a big win over VicRoads after she successfully got a light pole removed from her front garden.
On Tuesday 7 October, Leonie Thompson returned home to find a light pole had been installed at the edge of her front lawn.
Outraged, the Hampton Park resident of more than 40 years started to investigate after VicRoads failed to notify her that the works would go ahead.
“I had no notification of this and it’s right on the cusp of my property,” she said.
“It’s not the way it should be.
“A pole belongs on the nature strip.”
“If they take them from the nature strip, then they should put them back on the nature strip,” she said.
A duplication project of the road is currently underway near Ms Thompson’s house, and she said she was more than happy to “bend a little” but that enough was enough.
Ms Thompson said the road works should have been completed a long time ago and she wasn’t the only person who was annoyed.
“It’s not only me, it’s everybody,” she said.
“We need to make the public aware that they have a voice.”
About a week after the pole was installed it was removed after Vic Roads acknowledged it should not have been put there.
VicRoads South Eastern Projects Director Charlie Broadhurst said staff met Ms Thompson and noted her concerns.
“The pole has since been removed and VicRoads staff are in discussions with the resident about where best to relocate the pole,” he said.
“We regret the fact that we failed to inform her prior to the installation of the pole.”
He said the light pole was placed there to “to improve visibility and ensure appropriate safety standards at Hallam Road”.
“The light pole couldn’t be placed in the nature strip because it has gas, water and Telstra cables and conduits underground,” he said.
“While ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Victorian roads is our key priority, we always want to work with the community so that they understand why improvements, like this one, are required.”
Ms Thompson said she was pleased to have it removed and have her point of view taken on board.
“I was a bossy pants, but they were very co-operative,” she said.
“Any old areas that you go to, you should consult with residents.”
