Why do some residents face being left in the dark?

In streets that date back hundreds of years when houses were packed together, small lanes developed between them. Orkney Islands Council has now deemed some of these lanes ‘private’, and is intending to plunge them into darkness by not replacing street lighting in them. Next week The Orkney News will be publishing their investigation into…

theorkneynews

April 4, 2025

1–2 minutes

Orkney Islands Council, planning, safety, street lighting

In streets that date back hundreds of years when houses were packed together, small lanes developed between them.

Orkney Islands Council has now deemed some of these lanes ‘private’, and is intending to plunge them into darkness by not replacing street lighting in them.

Next week The Orkney News will be publishing their investigation into this council policy, how it affects not just the residents, but anyone who uses these lanes. And what is a ‘private’ lane in the historic parts of Kirkwall or Stromness?

email: news@theorkneynews.scot to add to the discussion.

one of the narrow streets in Stromness with a cobbled roadway

2 responses to “Why do some residents face being left in the dark?”

berniebell1955

April 4, 2025 at 10:09 am

It’s a though OIC purposely set out to be disliked. I know – they’re not necessarily there to be liked – but they are there to serve the Community, and in many ways they don’t – they spectacularly ….DON’T!

I’m thinking of the recent bizarre ruling about the insulation at Fern Valley – which has been in place since 2019 without any fuss being made about its suitability.

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Joy Hamilton

April 4, 2025 at 7:27 pm

None of my business, really, but for safety’s sake: What?!?

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