RESIDENTS in a Southchurch street who asked for a new lick of paint for their street lights were astonished to be told that the council wanted to replace them instead.

A group of 48 residents around Stromness Place, in roads including Bellvue Road and Ilfracombe Avenue, organised by Kursaal ward councillor Judy McMahon, signed a petition asking Southend Council to give the lampposts a fresh coat – or let them do it themselves.

Ms McMahon said: “Residents there can remember not having them painted for about 40 years.

“They just asked for them to be repainted, or for permission to paint them themselves, but unfortunately the council have requested that they be added to the waiting list to have replacement street lights.”

Tony Cox, Southend’s cabinet member for public protection, waste and housing, said that he agreed with the residents’ civic pride.

But he said: “It’s for that reason that it was actually being proposed that the street lights be upgraded. I doubt the feasibility of someone hanging from a lamppost and painting it themselves, and I do think it’s right that the lights are replaced as parts become obsolete.”

If you have a Southchurch or Thorpe Bay community story contact senior reporter Ian Weinfass on 01702 321 142 or ian.weinfass@nqe.com.