Concerns have been raised over “dangerous” damaged street lamps in the county, which are yet to be fixed despite numerous complaints to the council.

Bucks county councillor (BCC), Peter Martin, said there are a number of street light “stumps” in Great Missenden where the column has been removed but the base has been left behind, posing a danger to pedestrians.

However, BCC officer David Stewart said repair teams often leave the bases behind when removing weakened or damaged lampposts, so they can be replaced at a later date.

Speaking at a meeting of the transport, environment and communities select committee on Tuesday (May 29), he said: “We have done a lot of work and structural testing over the years.

“Structural testing identifies where street lighting columns may be weak and we have to cut those down in certain circumstances to protect the safety.

“The stumps themselves are left behind and must be replaced and part of the capital programme this year is to address most of the stumps in the county.”

Cabinet member for transport, Mark Shaw, added electricity companies are tasked with reconnecting damaged lamps – however a lack of communication with residents over who takes the lead delays the process.

He said: “The reality is sometimes the issue isn’t down to us, it is down to the electricity company and they just don’t come round and reconnect the electricity, and that is a huge challenge.

“One of our problems is where that has been the cases we haven’t communicated that with residents or members to make them quite clear where the responsibility lies.”