Published: Wednesday, 6th May, 2009 4:10pm

Residents" fury over car park in the dark

by Angela Murphy

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RESIDENTS are fuming at being left in the dark over a Johnstone car park.

Councillor Neil Bibby has taken on the task of shedding some light on the situation outside Morrison"s supermarket after being contacted by a number of concerned constituents.

They claim that street lights at the Collier Street Car Park and on George Street haven"t worked for months, creating a "dangerous" situation for both drivers and pedestrians.

One angry resident who lives near to the Collier Street car park, but asked not to be named, said: 'I"m sick and tired of waiting for these lights to go on.

'My family and I are far too frightened to walk through it at night as you just don"t know who is hanging around.

'It"s not so bad now as the lighter nights are starting to come in but it"s still dangerous.

'We get neds hanging around next to the bridge at Morrisons and it can be very intimidating.

'It"s about time they sorted this out as we pay our rates and expect basic amenities like street lighting to be provided for our safety.

'I know a lot of other people who live around here and some of them say that instead of walking through the car park, they will take a detour along the High Street.

'It"s totally unacceptable – I"m raging.

'They were supposed to be moving the wooden seating area in the car park too as it is a haven for drinkers.'

Councillor Neil Bibby said: 'I know local people feel safer in areas that are lit up and this area does need better lighting.

'The street lights at Collier Street and George Street have been out for too long.

'I have written to the Roads Department to ask that these lights be turned on as soon as possible.'

Just five weeks ago, The Gazette reported on the alleged brutal attack of a Lithuanian man on the cycle track near to Napier Street.

A 29-year-old man was allegedly stabbed after refusing to give a cigarette to a gang of youths, causing local people to avoid the area.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the concerns over the lack of lighting and have raised this matter with both Morrisons and Scottish Power.'