A MAN fell and broke a hip and wrist in Aysgarth because of poor street lighting, the parish meeting was told.

Chairman Marian Kirby said the new lights installed after the undergrounding of electricity cables two years ago were not as effective as those they had replaced, and had become dimmer since.

"Of particular concern is the one at Cornlee which is supposed to light up the junction of the village road and the A684 near the telephone kiosk," she said.

"This is just a black, black hole and it is impossible to see either where the junction is or the little wall.

"On Saturday, March 16, a gentleman came down the road after attending a whist drive in the institute and fell over the little wall on to the A684. He broke a hip and a wrist. The parish meeting was adamant that something must be done to light this area."

Mr and Mrs Alan Kendal, who provide bed and breakfast accommodation at Cornlee, said that, like other residents in the centre of the village, they tried to leave their porch light on throughout the night because the street lighting was so poor.

The problem in Aysgarth has been made worse by the loss of a streetlight when the war memorial was damaged. The parish council is working with the district council to fully restore the memorial and replace the light.

In addition, the village was promised a street light at the institute three years ago. A spokesman for Richmondshire District Council said that, due to problems with a contractor, many new street lights had not been installed. This should be resolved very soon.

He said the district council would be willing to organise an evening site meeting in the village with the parish council to look at the situation.