Eli's inane rambling · @Eli_App_D
26th Feb 2015 from TwitLonger
Update on the pitch black cycle path
From:
Sent: 25 February 2015 13:40
To:
Subject: RE: Cycle/Walking path - Queen Margaret University
Firstly may I apologise for the delay in replying to you. Please find below the response from our Head of Infrastructure, Ray Montgomery:
I refer to your earlier e-mail regarding the street lighting on the path between Newcraighall and Queen Margaret University.
The lighting in question is solar powered and does not have a permanent electrical supply. This was regarded as appropriate for the location and tied in with the low carbon agenda promoted throughout the design and construction of the University itself. It was also acknowledged at the time that an opportunity to make the electrical supply permanent would come forward as part of the completion of the junction into the university and adjacent land allocated for business use.
Unfortunately, the junction has not been completed and the solar fittings, particularly the batteries, have been the subject of repeated vandalism and theft to the extent that maintenance costs have been considerable since the lighting was introduced. It is estimated that to provide a permanent electrical supply to these lamps alone would cost approximately £167,000, an amount which we are unable to justify in the current financial climate. I have however authorised expenditure of approximately £17,000 on replacement batteries and fittings and would expect this work to be completed by April 2015.
I trust this response is sufficient to reply to your constituent. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Kind regards
Roads Service
Infrastructure
Partnerships and Community Services
East Lothian Council