ESSEX County Council has refused to confirm if it will keep street lights switched on overnight during the festive period.

Last year, the authority suspended its normal part-night lighting scheme in the early hours of both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

But when asked if the gesture would be repeated this year, councillor for highways delivery Eddie Johnson said no decision had been made.

Mr Johnson added: “I will have to take stock and find out from officers what has happened in the past.”