ANGRY residents are demanding action be taken on a faulty street lamp which has left a busy railway crossing in the dark for years.

In 2009, a street lamp was installed by Essex County Council on Foundry Lane to help illuminate the path and railway crossing.

However, it has not been connected to any power and has never been turned on, leaving the crossing in darkness late at night.

Residents have been calling for power to be installed to the lamp due to fears of accidents and crime when the area is plunged into darkness.

The crossing, along with the footpath leading from Foundry Lane to Maple Way, is popular with dog walkers, commuters, and people working at the industrial estate on Springfield Road.

Last week, a resident left a festive picture of a candle on the lamppost, which reads: “To all those who use this crossing during the dark – a Christmas candle to light your way”.

Dan Stevenson, who lives near Maple Way, said: “Once you leave Maple Way on the footpath towards the crossing, you can’t see anything. So many workers will take that route, and the trains coming in won’t see someone at the crossing until the last second.

“I also doubt any young women would want to walk down there alone. You can’t deny there’s a potential for danger and crime in the dark.”

Sue Compton, of Foundry Lane, said: “Elderly people walk down that path, and across the railway. I cannot believe it has taken this long for nothing to happen.”

At a Burnham Town Council meeting in November, the issue of the lamp was raised during public questions, in which mayor Bob Calver confirmed the issue was being actively investigated by the council, with various means of power being considered.