Pakenham Retailers Association president Michael Porter and Lazy Frog Gifts owner Janet Pursell are just two of many people concerned about the lack of street lighting in Main Street. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Callan Date
JANET Pursell would know more than most about the state of affairs in Main Street, Pakenham.
The trader has owned and operated Lazy Frog Gifts for 25 years and has raised concerns about the lack of lighting along the busy shopping strip.
Ms Pursell walked Main Street after dark last week and was astonished to find more than 15 lights not working and certain areas almost completely pitch black.
“It’s so dark and with the amount of lights that aren’t working along the street it’s very dangerous,” Ms Pursell said.
Her shop windows suffered extensive damage during a vandalism rampage last month during which 13 businesses were attacked on one night.
Several traders have backed Ms Pursell’s call for extra lighting including real estate director and fellow Main Street occupant Derrick Brown.
Ms Pursell also raised concern over the safety light not working over the main pedestrian crossing outside her shop.
“This is not something that has just happened overnight, it has happened because there has been no maintenance on the lights for quite some time.”
Councillor Kate Lempriere said she had been pursuing the lighting issue and had raised the matter at various council meetings on several occasions.
“A few groups met last week to talk about vandalism in Main Street and as a result of that meeting a police audit is being conducted on the area to work out the best strategies,” Cr Lempriere said.
The Central Ward councillor said a social welfare coordinator had also been involved in the meeting with the aim of speaking to parents and making sure they knew where their children were late at night.
“There have been 33 reports of vandalism since May this year and that number is too high.”
Cr Lempriere said suggestions to curb the vandalism included installing gates at the entrance of the arcades in Main Street.
Doug Evans, council governance and communications manager, said the responsible power company had been notified and they would be taking action with the lights that are faulty or are not working.
