The station clock showed 23.52 and few people alighted the train. Bearing a heavy bag full of flute, piccolo, school work and more, I walked down the hill, my feet sore and tired from a day of feet heating up in tight shoes. As I reached the roundabout, bottom of one hill, I glanced at my phone- 23:59. Seconds later, all the street lights went out except those on the roundabout. Heart pounding, I sped up my pace to a hastier rate and continued my lonely sojourn up the hill towards home. As the roundabout became a distant memory, I was left alone with purely the pounding of my heels and of a heart that was in my mouth. Hoping for the company of foxes, to no avail- bin day was the previous day- those sensible fellows snug and cosy in their dens. With the glow of my only lantern- the torch app of a Smart Phone I once scorned, I continued- spinning its light in all directions to check for prowlers or bush-lurkers. The welcome light of the second roundabout in my journey loomed closer, like a welcome beacon, alas only a fleeting companion. The journey turned more treacherous. Away from main roads, now my path became a silent alley/walkway- the opportunities of malevolent lurkers grew. The torch jolted from side-to-side, spying out any nooks and crannies. So close, so nearly home! Finally, I rounded the corner to my street- silent and observant. My plod turned to creeping and I neared home. A light shining out of this dark place, barren of all other light- Moon, hidden, stars forbidden. Up the path. Keys jangle. Finally, safe. Home.
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On Tuesday night, due to orchestra finishing at 10, my having to tidy up after the refreshments, I did not manage to reach my hometown station until 23:52. Then, a 20 minute walk home. My local council have made the decision to turn the streetlights off (except for the roundabout) at midnight until 5/6 in the morning to save money, raise money. In theory I think this is a brilliant idea- so much electricity wasted in a million lights on around the country, particularly in offices- it makes me incensed! BUT, after that initial joy, whilst the trains still run, there are still people needing to get home. They could get a taxi, but that's a cost that I really don't want to have to pay every time I am late home from orchestra. I didn't want to have to drag CBC out so late though he would have come if awake. My home town is pretty safe- I didn't meet a soul through that residential zone and was able to return home unharmed. However, it doesn't stop the thoughts! Perhaps the council need to keep those lights on till 1 at least (the last train is after 1) to ensure that people can get home safely? They could turn them on an hour later?
I don't know- what are your thoughts on this? Has anyone else's council made any moves like this?
xx
****
On Tuesday night, due to orchestra finishing at 10, my having to tidy up after the refreshments, I did not manage to reach my hometown station until 23:52. Then, a 20 minute walk home. My local council have made the decision to turn the streetlights off (except for the roundabout) at midnight until 5/6 in the morning to save money, raise money. In theory I think this is a brilliant idea- so much electricity wasted in a million lights on around the country, particularly in offices- it makes me incensed! BUT, after that initial joy, whilst the trains still run, there are still people needing to get home. They could get a taxi, but that's a cost that I really don't want to have to pay every time I am late home from orchestra. I didn't want to have to drag CBC out so late though he would have come if awake. My home town is pretty safe- I didn't meet a soul through that residential zone and was able to return home unharmed. However, it doesn't stop the thoughts! Perhaps the council need to keep those lights on till 1 at least (the last train is after 1) to ensure that people can get home safely? They could turn them on an hour later?
I don't know- what are your thoughts on this? Has anyone else's council made any moves like this?
xx