RESIDENTS may finally see the light as to why street lights in a Worcester alleyway have been out for almost five months.

Rack Alley, in the Butts, at the side of the former Images nightclub building, has been poorly lit with four sets of steps "barely visible" at night since at least since March 31.

Earlier this month we reported how resident Patrick Beasley, aged 54, who lives in St John's, Worcester, and his partner said they had been caught up in a wrangle between Worcestershire County Council and contractor Galliford Try, which built the Hive, as both claimed the other is responsible for the maintenance.

But now, Galliford Try said it is in the process of repairing the lights stating that the delay was down to a previous "miscommunication".

A Galliford Try spokesman said: "Galliford Try can confirm it is still in the process of commissioning the light replacement at Rack Alley.

"Due to previous miscommunication this has taken longer than anticipated and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to members of the public as a result. We are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible."

The spokesman said the hold up was the result of Galliford Try contacting the council rather than its contractors. 

Mr Beasley said: "That is a long time for miscommunication. I still find it remarkable when the Worcester News wrote an article two weeks ago – that should have rang alarm bells and they should have sorted it out.

"I don’t know what’s worse – Galliford Try or the council."

He added: "I feel surprised - I thought with such bad publicity I am amazed no one has fixed the lights. I walked down there at 10 o'clock at night, all the other street lights were on."

He has now contracted solicitors to see if the matter can be taken further as he considers it "safety hazard" and a poorly lit place where assault could take place.

Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "The lighting in Rack Alley is subject to an agreement whereby the lights are the responsibility of Galliford Try. The County Council's street lighting team carried out a recent inspection of the lighting and provided Galliford Try with a report identifying the lamps which were not working. We are currently working with Galliford Try to ensure that repair works are carried out as a matter of urgency."

Previously, in early April the county council told the pair the work had been completed by contractors but after using the alley, the pair realised the lights were still not working.

Following this they contacted Galliford Try who said they would look into it, but after pointing out that the county council said it was its responsibility they received no further response. 

Following the original article, a county council spokesman said it was not its responsibility.