Co-councillor Heather Morris is quoted in today's Express & Echo as the traffic signals at the First & Last were still not functioning until they were finally fixed at 18:00 yesterday evening.

I plan to keep asking questions - as it is important to get to the bottom of why this has taken so long to resolve.

Councillor sees red as lights problem goes on

ENGINEERS say they are working to repair faulty traffic lights at a busy Exeter junction "as soon as possible".

Concerns have been raised about the problem which has developed at the junction of Buddle Lane and Cowick Street. All four sets of lights had failed.

ssues with the lights began on Friday, continued through the weekend, and were still affecting traffic yesterday.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: "Engineers are working to fix the signals but they have so far been unable to fully resolve the problem.

"Some of the necessary spare parts are being ordered from the contractor's central depot in Leicester. The signals will be repaired as soon as possible."

But the county council's position was described as unacceptable by city councillor for Cowick Heather Morris.

She said: "I got a message to the county council on Sunday which clearly stated my concerns regarding the traffic lights and the severity of the problem, and that I hoped would have been resolved prior to Monday morning.

"It is unacceptable that this well-used crossroads is still out of action and I am awaiting an explanation.

"This shows little respect for the residents, school children and commuters in Exeter and no respect from Devon County Council towards Exeter city councillors."

Cowick Street is one of the main routes in and out of Exeter and gets congested at busy times – even when the lights are fully functional.

Cllr Morris added: "I am aware that a sign has been placed stating that the lights are not working but we need to be fully advised why they have been out of action for such a long time with clear advice on when they will be operational."

Her comments reflect the view of residents who have also spoken to the Echo.

Pensioner Terrence Bulley, 70, said he feared for the safety of pupils who were making their way to school.

He said: "My greatest concern was for the children on their way to the school. They were dicing with death because there was no way of telling which car was going to move."