By NICOLE WILLIAMS
A LOCAL resident is all lit up after winning a new light in Pakenham.
David Connor has been lobbying for a streetlight in the service lane near 1 Princes Highway for over a year and last week the light was installed.
Mr Connor was concerned that lighting was not sufficient for pedestrians walking behind the trees, between Racecourse Road and the Princes Highway.
Although there is lighting on Princes Highway, regular faults meant pedestrians were left in the dark and unsafe, he said.
“I am glad that some commonsense has finally prevailed in the matter and the issue has been resolved,” Mr Connor said.
“I saw a need for a light at this location as it was a black spot and ‘missing link’ if you like, in pedestrian lighting along the footpath which runs alongside the Princes Highway from the Pakenham Caravan Park, behind all those houses.”
A spokesperson from Cardinia Shire Council said council had worked with SPAusnet to have the light installed.
“Council has been waiting for the job to be completed by SPAusnet,” he said.The light was installed last Friday.
Mr Connor said lighting like this was important to assist in reducing anti-social behaviour, and vandalism.
“Acts of vandalism are far less likely to be acted upon in well-lit and maintained areas as opposed to areas which are poorly lit,” he said.
“This ultimately has a dollar value and costs every tax and ratepayer, whether they recognise it or not.”
On a high from his recent success, Mr Connor is now turning his attention to other poorly-lit areas around Pakenham. He has his eye on a number of lighting issues in the town and will lobby Cardinia Shire Council and SPAusnet.
“Lighting is my pet hate at the moment and I have taken the task of reporting faults on board as I believe that proper lighting contributes to personal safety and reduced criminal activity,” he said.“You know what they say … prevention is better than cure!”
If Mr Connor has his way, Pakenham will soon be well-lit and maintained.
