HOW long does it take to change a light bulb?

For most people, it is a simple household task which takes a few seconds.

But the Evening Press has learned that because of strict health and safety laws, council workers are not allowed to climb a ladder to change a certain kind of street lamp bulb - and have to hire special equipment to do it.

Villagers in Bishopthorpe, York, say they have been left in the dark for weeks because a bulb has gone on a street lamp on a well-used public footpath.

Despite reporting the problem to City of York Council well before Christmas, the broken lamp could not be fixed until this month, when a hydraulic platform will be available.

Residents say the fact that the bulb is not working makes the path, which runs between Vernon Close and School Lane, pitch black, and unsafe for them to use. Some have been left wondering whether cartoon character Bob the Builder could do the job more quickly.

Jean Chadwick, 75, from Vernon Close, said: "I think it's ridiculous if they can't do it until now. It's been out since long before Christmas.

"I wouldn't go through that snicket in the dark. It's dangerous in the dark for elderly people.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "Health and safety law dictates that this kind of street light bulb should not be changed by someone balancing on a ladder and that the appropriate equipment must be used. Once a month we hire a Sky Winder, which is the piece of equipment required to carry out this job safely. We then complete all of the jobs of this nature on the same day to keep costs down.

"The bulb in the street light on School Lane will be replaced the next time a Sky Winder is hired for the day.

"Whilst we can fully appreciate residents' concerns over the delay, the council has a responsibility to ensure that safety of its employees at all times."

Bishopthorpe ward councillor David Livesley said he believed the light would be fixed within a fortnight.

He said: "It's always regrettable that there's a delay in repairing a street lamp".

Updated: 09:40 Tuesday, January 03, 2006