A lamppost with exposed electrics labelled “danger of death” has been repaired after a local resident voiced concern.

The lamppost on a popular school route on Kingsdown Road had its cover hanging loose with internal electrics exposed for up to five months.

Local Upper Stratton resident, Martin Ireson, said: “You know what kids are like - they could put their hand in there and then bang! Could be a problem.

“It’s the main route to the Kingsdown School and you see a lot of parents walking their kids there.”

The very real danger posed by the electrics was made clear to Martin by an electrician who did a temporary fix on the lamppost.The lamp post-repair (Image: Martin Ireson/Swindon Borough Council)

He was told: “People think that's just low voltage, but believe me, if you got a shock from that now it would be really serious.”

Martin did not report it to the council, but once the Advertiser raised the issue it was fixed the next day.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Mr Ireson for highlighting this issue with the lighting column as it had not been reported to us. 

“Our engineer has since fixed the door to the lighting column and made it safe. Residents can report a variety of issues to us on our website homepage www.swindon.gov.uk.”