In progress
Light 021 High St Timsbury Ongoing issue with new ‘traditional’ much taller streetlight
Sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 9529665.
Moderated by Bath and North East Somerset Council at 11:28, Monday 1 June 2026
This streetlight on the junction of the High Street and Church Hill was replaced several weeks ago and is far brighter and far taller than all other streetlights in Timsbury- including those further along the High Street. The issue with light nuisance has been reported previously by several residents for said reasons and a black shield was fitted to one side a week or so ago. It appears the black shield that prevented so much light intrusion to my property has been significantly reduced yesterday as now the light shines once again into the principle rooms of my property, and from the bedroom the dazzling (not in a good way) LED strips are clearly visible. This is unacceptable as the light nuisance is once more preventing any meaningful sleep. If a suitable solution for residents who are impacted on an ongoing basis can’t be found could the light not be replaced with a like-for-like version of the old one which caused no issue at all. I’m not sure that the height of this light has been considered against the height of neighbouring properties. The current streetlight does not appear to be fit for all purposes of lighting the highway yet not being intrusive unfortunately
Updates
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Thank you for your report. We are investigating this issue and will keep your report updated throughout the process.
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Thank you for your report. We understand that yesterday you may have spoken with our engineer while he was on site who advised we intend to turn the lantern which we hope will not cause too much disturbance and possibly help.
We are also trying to source other shielding solutions which we hope will be of benefit to you. We are sorry for the inconvenience in the mean time.
Please fee free to add further comment here. We shall add information here about any further works when known.
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Thank you for these photos, We confirm we have issued instructions for our contractors to turn the lantern to face the main road and fit half shield to main road side and also to the left hand side of the main road.
When this work has been complete we shall be interested to know if this has made an difference so we can review further as needs be.
We shall add further information here in due course.
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Update; the lamp was rotated today but unfortunately it has made little difference, in fact made it worse!
As you can see from the photos it barely lights the High Street or the main road junction now, moreso the tree and garden on the corner of the High Street/Church Hill junction. Additionally I now have the upper set of LEDs, their refraction to the left hand side, and LED refraction on bottom right hand side of the lantern directed straight into my principal bedroom.
Whilst I appreciate all that’s been done to date it has been weeks of light nuisance disturbing sleep with little forward progress. Given its vast height and the way it projects light outwards rather than downwards I’m unsure what - if any - options you might have left which might actually be successful. It doesn’t help it’s on all night.
Unfortunately it seems that as pretty as it is, it is clearly the wrong light for this position. That it differs from all the other street lamps along the High Street - and Timsbury itself- might be telling. Please, please, please can this be rectified as it’s gone on for far too long and I'm desperate for a decent nights kip!
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Thank you for these most recent photos and thoughts on this light. We have sent a reply directly to your e-mail but also confirm as below.
Following further discussion today, we confirm that we intend to install a full back shield on the side of the lantern facing the high street.
We hope this will help reduce the light shining toward your property, but please do let us know either way, once the shield is in place.
We very much appreciate your patience and are sorry for the disruption caused by the light.
We are due to carry out a night time inspection and will review the situation further as needed
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I have just noticed the street light today and thought it had been vandalised, now I am wondering whether this is the latest version which looks ugly and ridiculous! From trying to put a traditional light witth good intentions, which I appreciate, this is becoming a waste of money that I don't think is resolvable. If you see traditional lights in Frome on some of their side streets, they are half the hight with yelow coloured lighting, I don't think they are LED. I agree with another comment that the Rd and pavement is now poorly lit aswell, just a spotlight at the junction This was never asked for, however if it had been a correct copy of a Victorian lamp I doubt there would be all this hassle on both sides and also appreciated.
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