STREET LIGHTS left shining brightly during the day have been branded a joke.

One eagle-eyed resident has spotted a couple of lamps left switched on in broad daylight – despite the council’s policy of turning off many street lights on main roads at night to save £20,000.

The night-time switch-off was condemned as a safety hazard by taxi drivers earlier this week, and now Highworth resident Pat Willis says it is absurd that the council appears to have left some on during the day.

The 57-year-old retired lorry driver said: “The Adver had an article talking to taxi drivers about how dangerous the roads are with the lights off at night.

“I drove to Swindon at lunchtime, and just past Stratton Fire Station there was a street light on full glow.

“Because the council are making such a big thing about saving a measly £20,000, which I’m sure they could save another way, they should actually get their act together and turn them off during the day when they’re not needed.

“To see these two on during the day, I couldn’t help but laugh. It’s a joke. It beggars belief.

“The left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.

“I’ve seen it loads of times in Covingham, Dorcan, Greenbridge, Blunsdon. They’re dotted here and there. They’re never a full row.

“If the council are that worried about money, they should be out.”

The two street lights stand on Highworth Road, Stratton, not far from the Rat Trap pub.

But Mr Willis said he has seen it before, and were he to look hard he is sure of finding others.

A council spokesman said: “We haven’t received any reports about this. Rest assured we will be getting somebody out to the problem.

“If anyone spots any other lights like that, if they give us a call we will investigate.

“It may be a problem with the electricity supply. We won’t know until we have investigated.”

Swindon Taxi Association member Andy Lucas, 41, of Stratton, originally complained about the council’s night-time switch-off programme, saying it could only worsen road safety.

He said: “It’s not something I’ve seen. It’s more likely to be a fault that hasn’t been picked up or reported to the council yet. But if they’re on for any length of time it would negate their savings. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

If any residents spot other lights left on during the day, they are asked to contact the council on 01793 466453.