Shoppers Left in Darkness After Clock Change Delay

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A shopping centre in Cwmbran was plunged into darkness for several weeks following the clocks going back, causing frustration and safety concerns for shopkeepers and residents alike. Fairwater Square, a hub for local businesses and shoppers, experienced prolonged periods of inadequate lighting after the clocks were set back on 26 October, leaving areas of the precinct pitch black well into the evening.

Rob Strinati, owner of the Fairwater Fish Bar, described the situation as “intimidating” and said the darkness posed a significant risk to both pedestrians and local businesses. Mr Strinati, who finishes work at 20:30 GMT, highlighted that the lighting system did not adjust for the shorter daylight hours, leaving large sections of the shopping centre in near-total darkness during early evening.

“If it actually is, as I presume, set to the summer lighting schedule, it still wouldn’t come on until about 9:30pm. But with the discrepancy in the hour, it most probably doesn’t come on until 10:30pm,” he explained. The problem persisted for 17 days, only being resolved on 12 November, leaving shopkeepers frustrated over the prolonged delay.

Mr Strinati claimed he made numerous phone calls and sent emails to the council’s property managers, who are responsible for maintaining the precinct. However, he said his complaints went unanswered for weeks. “In previous years, when the lighting had not been reset with the clocks going back, the council dealt with it quickly. This time, we received no response at all,” he added.

The lack of lighting created an unnerving environment for people visiting the centre in the early evening. “It is pitch black from around 4:30 to 5pm, and with wet leaves underfoot, it deters anyone from coming to the area. This is unfair to residents and shopkeepers who rely on foot traffic for their businesses,” Mr Strinati said. He also described walking around the precinct as “intimidating,” highlighting the real risks posed by the darkness.

The issue has also drawn attention from local officials. At a recent meeting, Fairwater councillor Rose Seabourne pointed out that clocks in the council chamber in Pontypool had not been put back, remaining an hour ahead. “If something as basic as clocks in the council offices are not updated, it demonstrates a lack of oversight that has real consequences for local communities,” she said.

Residents of Cwmbran also expressed their concerns over the lighting failure, noting that the darkness increased the sense of insecurity in the area. Many elderly residents and parents with children said they were hesitant to visit shops or walk through the precinct during the early evening, citing safety concerns. The lack of light made them feel vulnerable to accidents or crime.

Local businesses reported a noticeable decline in footfall during the period when the lighting remained off. “People are cautious about walking into a shopping centre that’s in darkness,” said Mr Strinati. “We rely on evening trade, especially during the darker months, and this incident directly impacted our earnings.” Some business owners described a “loss of confidence” among shoppers, adding that the failure to restore lighting promptly could have long-term effects on community trust in the council.

The incident in Fairwater Square is not isolated. Across the UK, councils and local authorities sometimes face challenges in updating lighting systems and other infrastructure following changes in daylight hours. Experts say that many systems are automated but require manual adjustments to account for daylight saving changes. Failure to do so can create safety hazards and disrupt daily life for residents and businesses alike.

Lighting engineers consulted by the English Chronicle explained that most municipal lighting systems rely on timers that can be preset for summer and winter schedules. “When the clocks go back, some systems need to be manually adjusted to ensure they match the shorter daylight hours. If this step is overlooked, areas can remain dark well past sunset,” said one engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that such oversights, while not uncommon, are particularly concerning in commercial areas where pedestrian safety is essential.

The delay in restoring lighting sparked calls from local community groups for improved monitoring and maintenance of public infrastructure. Residents emphasized the need for clearer communication from councils when issues arise. “People need to know what is being done and when they can expect a resolution,” said one local resident. “Ignoring the problem only increases anxiety and creates unnecessary risks.”

Safety concerns are not limited to the threat of crime. Wet leaves, uneven pavements, and other obstacles become harder to detect in low light, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. Shopkeepers like Mr Strinati stressed that this adds to the urgency of ensuring proper lighting in commercial precincts. “We want people to feel safe coming here, and lighting is a basic but essential part of that,” he said.

Torfaen council has been approached for comment regarding the delay and the steps it is taking to prevent similar issues in the future. The council has yet to provide a detailed response, though it acknowledged that the lighting system had recently been restored. Community leaders hope that lessons will be learned from this incident to avoid further disruptions.

For the shopkeepers and residents of Fairwater Square, the experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of consistent municipal services, particularly as the UK moves into the darker months. “We understand that mistakes happen,” said Mr Strinati, “but it shouldn’t take more than two weeks for a basic safety feature like lighting to be fixed. People’s safety and well-being should always be the priority.”

As winter approaches and daylight hours continue to shorten, residents and business owners alike are urging councils to ensure that public areas remain adequately lit. Failure to address these issues promptly not only affects commerce but also public confidence in local governance.

In the meantime, shopkeepers like Mr Strinati are calling for clearer protocols and faster response times from council property managers. “This isn’t just about inconvenience,” he said. “It’s about safety, accessibility, and ensuring our community remains vibrant and welcoming, even as the nights grow longer.”

The incident has sparked wider discussions on the need for councils to implement automated systems that adjust seamlessly to daylight changes, or to establish rapid response teams to address lighting failures. Experts suggest that with proper planning, such issues can be avoided, ensuring that public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all users.

Fairwater Square is once again illuminated, but the lessons from this episode will likely resonate with local authorities across the UK, highlighting the critical role that simple infrastructure like lighting plays in everyday life. Residents and business owners hope that no community will face similar darkness in future, and that councils will be held accountable for ensuring public safety is never compromised.