Broken streetlights on a key footpath in Billericay will finally be repaired after a prolonged five-year battle.

Andrew Schrader, councillor for Billericay East, confirmed the broken streetlights on Ingrave Path, connecting Crown Road and Jacksons Lane, will be repaired after Basildon Council took over ownership of the lights.

The path, a popular cut-through for commuters, has been without proper lighting for at least five years, causing safety concerns among residents.

However, there has been an ongoing dispute between Basildon Council and Essex County Council over who is responsible for them.

Mr Schrader has confirmed that Basildon Council will now take responsibility for the lights with repairs set to be complete this month.

He said: “This back and forth has gone on and on. But, in a nutshell, I told them I simply will not tolerate this local authority ping-pong dawdling on for a moment longer.

“I could not care less whose responsibility they are, but someone needs to take ownership and get the issue fixed, and then they can ‘duke it out’ among themselves in their own time, arguing the toss over who pays the invoice.

“Following this ‘robust’ exchange of views, I have secured an agreement that Basildon Council will, from today, take responsibility for these streetlights as a matter of public safety.

“Assuming no problems are found with the energy supply, or that the columns are unsafe, the works should be complete by the end of this month.”

The broken lights have caused safety concerns among residents for years, and Nina Yates is just one of many Billericay residents who has been avoiding the footpath.

She said: “Finally, the dark Ingrave path will be lit again.

“This is such a well-used cut through for commuters from Crown Road to Jacksons Lane, that the lights will be welcome by many.

“The path is densely covered by trees and bushes so in the winter months it is a really dark path to walk along.

“I for one have been avoiding walking along it at night and taking the long way round as it hasn’t felt safe to walk along.

“It is only a short path but having it lit again will make all the difference. It is crazy to think that it took councillor Schrader to stamp his feet in order to get this done.”