AN AREA of Weymouth plunged into darkness is seeing the light again.

A total of 21 street lights around the Wessex Roundabout near the Bob Lucas Stadium, and along part of Granby Way were out of action for more than three weeks due to a fault to an underground cable.

They were finally working again last night after repairs by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) – but concerns have been raised why it took so long.

When contacted by the Echo before the lights were working again, Dorset County Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of street lighting, said SSEN had been trying to identity the problem so it can be fixed.

It initially warned the road might have to be closed to allow the work to be done.

Meanwhile, a fitness coach expressed concern over the "dangerous" lack of lighting.

Rebecca Masters, who owns Pulse Fitness on the Granby Industrial Estate, felt that not enough was being done to sort out the problem.

Ms Masters said: “The lack of lighting is dangerous.

“I complained to the council and they told me they would endeavour to solve the problem within five working days.

“It should have been a priority.”

Ms Masters leads a women’s running group called Up and Running Dorset. Members regularly run around the area, however, the lack of lighting on their route which goes via Wessex Roundabout, left members of her group concerned.

She explained: “The women in my group were worried about running through that area because of the lights."

After the lights were working again she said: "I don't think it's acceptable that we had to wait so long. It's not good enough.

"I'm surprised no-one was hurt while the lights were out."

Borough councillor Ryan Hope said he had been working with Cllr Christine James to solve the issue.

He said: "We have both made contact with DCC about this issue and have been assured it is being looked into.

"We both agree it is a risk to schoolchildren who cross there."

A spokesman for DCC said the issue has been caused by problems with underground cables.

They said: “The faulty lights were identified and attended by our service provider first on Tuesday January 2, when it was discovered to be a supply failure.

“The fault is with a section of underground cables has been raised with the local electricity board which have been trying to identify and repair the damage.

“This was then raised as the highest priority with (SSEN) which would normally target 10 working days to rectify faults of this importance."

A spokesman for SSEN said “Engineers have been out on site fixing an underground cable fault at Radipole Lane which is affecting the power supply to a road crossing and 21 street lights.

“SSEN apologises for any inconvenience caused, and thanks the community for their patience.”