Streetscene FAQ

Q. How do I report a street lighting problem?

A. To report problems with street lights, pedestrian crossings or illuminated bollards and illuminated signs, click on the online form under 'Related Items'. Alternatively please call Streetscene on 0845 833 4444.

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Q. How long will it take to repair?

A. Usually, outages are repaired within five working days. If there is a problem on the electricity cable feeding the column, notification is sent to the Utility who usually attend within 30 working days of receiving the report.

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Q. The metal plate at the base of the lamp column has been removed, how soon will you be able to repair it?

A. We will attend within the hour.

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Q. The lamp column outside my house is leaning or damaged, is it safe?

A. An inspector will come out to assess the damage within 1 hour and then determine how urgent the job is.

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Q. Can the lighting in my street be improved?

A. All changes including improvement requests will be considered by the Authority and prioritised accordingly. We take into account age and condition of the existing installation along with the light output. However all considerations are budget led.

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Q. How do I know if it is my drain that is blocked?

A. If your drain is blocked you will usually know because your waste will stop going away when you flush the toilet, or gullies outside will overflow. There will also probably be a smell.

Private drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner/ occupier and any other properties connected to it. The Council can arrange for clearance of a blocked drain.

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Q. How do I report a blocked drain?

A. United Utilities looks after the network of public sewers in Stockport. Until recently, we carried out the day to day work on sewers in our area, but this work has now transferred to United Utilities.

If you live in Stockport and have a sewer problem, please contact United Utilities on 0845 602 0406. Minicom Number: 0808 143 0295. Or access them at www.nww.co.uk for further information.

For help and advice on land drainage or private drainage, continue to contact the Council on 0161 474 4378 during office hours. For highway drainage, please phone 0845 833 4444 (this is also the minicom number).

To determine whether the problem is on a drain that is a public or private sewer and who is responsible, please use the guidelines below:

If the property was built before 1st October 1937, and so long as there are two or more properties connected to the length of drain/sewer affected, it is the responsibility of United Utilities to clear them.

If the property is built after 1st October 1937, all drains/sewers are the responsibility of the owner/ occupiers and any other properties connected to it, unless it is the main sewer.

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Q. How much does it cost to have my private drain emptied?

A. Stockport Council provides a service of emptying private drains at £60.50 (inc. VAT) during normal working hours.

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Q. Who is responsible?

A. It is the responsibility of the owner/occupier to maintain and clear a private drain/sewer. If the property is owned by the Council, it is their responsibility.

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