CAMPAIGNERS fighting to get street lights turned back on have been dealt a blow by council leaders.

Local authorities in Basildon, Castle Point, and Rochford have all revealed they will not be raising council tax to pay for the lights to go on again.

It comes after Harlow Council agreed to increase council tax by 1.5 per cent to fund street lights in the town, prompting Essex County Council leader David Finch to say he would consider approving similar schemes in other districts.

County Hall began plunging streets into darkness between 1am and 5am in March 2014 in a bid to save more than £1million a year.

Taxi driver Joseph Magri, 51, of Vowler Road, Langdon Hills, said the lack of lighting makes his job unsafe and dangerous.

In August last year his cab was broken into during the early hours of the morning.

Thieves tried to make off with his taxi and his wife's car.

Mr Magri said: “Ever since the lights went off, it has caused nothing but trouble and expense.

“The break-in attempt cost me £4,500, and my insurance has increased from £1,200 to £3,400 a year.

"The nature of my work means I come home at 3am. It’s also pretty obvious I drive a taxi, so I am wary of people waiting and targeting myself and other drivers.

“I can’t see why we can’t get the lights back on, even if this means increasing rates. I am sure most would be happy to do that.”

Lawrence Harris, 86, of Lee Walk, Laindon, who uses a mobility scooter, has been campaigning on the issue since part-night lighting plans were first mooted.

He said: “I don’t think we are getting value for money or an explanation as to where the savings are going.

“Light is an important thing to us, it makes us feel safe and secure. I find it disappointing and unacceptable if it’s just a case of Essex County Council being unable to afford street lights being kept on all night.”