Need advice on complaining to Council over light: what are my rights?

 

On another thread, I started a discussion called 'light trespass'. The situation has still not been resolved, despite shields being fitted. I was told the lights would switch off at midnight - they did not; it was 1am when they were switched off. I go to bed at 11pm, at the latest, and can't get to sleep until the lights are switched off. I have black out blinds, curtains, and black out lining, but they don't work with these new super tall, fluorescent lights. I have complained by phone to the council, but got a shoddy response. I have written a letter to the Chief Executive of the Council, and wait her response, and I have written to my MP for an appointment.

What can I do in the meantime? I am suffering from sleep deprivation and stress; I can't block the light out, just like I can't block noise out. I think this is caused by my Aspergers, but it does not affect me quite so much in the day - perhaps because I can distract myself. I also have chronic anxiety, which is worse under stress.

Are they breaking the law with regard to indirect disability discrimination by not taking into account sensory disturbances? Why do we need lights on until 1am? What are 'normal' people doing at that time? It seems we have 24/7 noise, 24/7 light - an Orwellian nightmare, my room turned into a torture chamber.

The council have subcontracted their lighting to SSE contracting, and I don't know who is responsible for what!. A bureaucratic quagmire of faceless mandarins in a corrupt system.

I welcome your advice.

Parents
  • But you could use a torch or have a night light. There are ways round needing light, whereas for those who can't sleep in the light, there are not many comfortable options. Even a face mask is not really comfortable, but I wear it for complete darkness.

    I am not saying that there should not be any lights, just that they should not glow so brightly, so as not to intrude into my room, and should be off by midnight.

Reply
  • But you could use a torch or have a night light. There are ways round needing light, whereas for those who can't sleep in the light, there are not many comfortable options. Even a face mask is not really comfortable, but I wear it for complete darkness.

    I am not saying that there should not be any lights, just that they should not glow so brightly, so as not to intrude into my room, and should be off by midnight.

Children
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