PEOPLE in a small east Cleveland village are angry that their local council has turned down a request for safer street lighting.

Residents of Carlin How say they are the forgotten village of Redcar and Cleveland and claim the council does nothing for them.

They have been campaigning for eight years for extra lighting in the back streets, but claim Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has turned down a request for additional lighting because it cannot afford it.

The residents are backed by east Cleveland councillors Steve Kay and Bruce Mackenzie.

One resident, Sue Tyler, said the streets were very dark because of the lack of lighting.

"It is a burglars paradise - people don't go out at night because they are scared. The extra lights would help them feel more secure. The council is getting our money but not one penny is spent in Carlin How. We feel we are losing out."

Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety, said extra street lighting was not one of the council's duties but communities could apply for money through other means and grants.

"What amazes me is Carlin How has just been awarded SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) with Lockwood and Skinningrove and Steve Kay should be aware of that. Carlin How hasn't been forgotten about.

The council put it forward as quite clearly an area in need of SRB and the people of Carlin How should quite soon be enjoying the benefit of SRB.