Leopard's Club Plaza manager Bruce Simons said street lights opposite his club had been out of action for at least eight months, meaning that the bus stop on Cedar Avenue was without light.

He said: "It's creating the perfect opportunity for rape. Mount St. Agnes school is there. If kids leave school late, they'll be in total darkness.'' He said the problem was also putting off pensioners from attending weekly bingo sessions as well.

"Most people get off at that bus stop to go to the bingo at the Leopard's Club,'' Mr. Simons said. "But many have stopped coming because it's so dark that they get frightened. Elderly people could be robbed... They are open prey there.

"I've been on at the City of Hamilton Corporation and Belco to get them to do something -- even if it's putting up temporary lights. I've been campaigning for eight months, but nothing's been done.'' He also said two lights were out of action on Dundonald Street between Cedar Avenue and Brunswick Street.

A spokesman for the Corporation of Hamilton said: "A cable has developed a fault and we need to dig a trench. It's not just a case of changing the bulbs.

We will do this as soon as we can fit it into our work schedule. We expect this to be within the next couple of weeks.'' BUSINESS BUC