HIGHWAYS bosses have installed a new street light in a residential road - but have not budgeted for it to be connected to the grid.

In March Essex County Council paid for a new street light to be installed in St Faith Road, in St John’s, Colchester, after the previous lamppost failed a safety test.

But residents are still in the dark about when it will be connected up to the electricity supply because money has not been set aside to fund it.

Paul Smith, borough councillor for St John’s, was alerted to the problem and has taken it up with Essex County Council Highways Department.

“It is a tragic waste of money,” Mr Smith said.