A BUSY area of Taunton turns into a "black hole" after dark due to street lights repeatedly fusing.

People walking to work early in the morning, theatre goers and revellers are all at risk by lights not working outside The Brewhouse and on the other side of the river near Morrisons, according to a dog walker.

Adrian Gridley, who regularly walks in the area at around 6am, has reported the faulty lighting on a number of occasions over the past couple of years.

He said: "I was originally told there was a serious fault and contractors were dealing with it, but this week there are at least ten lights out.

"The public are at risk because people can't see anything because it's totally dark.

"I'm worried about young people walking on their own and people coming out of The Brewhouse.

"It's supposed to be the heart of the town, instead it's the black hole of the town centre."

A Taunton Deane Borough Council spokeswoman said there is "an ongoing problem" with the lights, which are repaired regularly.

She added: "The council asked its contractor to investigate the root cause of the problem earlier this year.

"Lights near the riverside were installed some years ago with several connection boxes installed below ground and these are prone to fuse when there is heavy rain, due to the high water table.

"Despite the investigations, a permanent solution has not been found either by the contractors or the council.

"Regeneration of the Coal Orchard area could offer the chance to replace the lighting. Until then, the council will continue to monitor the lights and endeavour to keep them working, especially with the advent of shorter daylight hours."

The majority of street lights are the responsibility of SSE Contracting Ltd. Any faults can be reported on Somerset County Council's website or call the SSE fault line on 0845-6010939 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

The Deane is responsible for street lights on property it owns, such as parks and car parks, which will be marked with an H, C or L followed by a number.

These can be reported via the council’s website at www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/street-lighting/ via e-mail to enquiries@tauntondeane.gov.uk or call 01823-356356.