More than 1,000 support petition to keep south Essex street lights on

12:30pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in News By Jacqueline McMillan

More than 1,000 support petition to keep south Essex street lights on More than 1,000 support petition to keep south Essex street lights on

MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition against plans to switch off street lights in south Essex.

Essex County Council is considering proposals to turn off about 70 per cent of the county’s street lights between midnight and 5am to save £14million and cut carbon emissions.

Canvey councillors launched a petition last month inviting residents to speak up against the plans after it emerged the county council will only be consulting emergency services and councils on the proposals.

Concerns have been raised the move could lead to more crime and antisocial behaviour.

In two weeks, more than 1,000 people in Castle Point have put their name to the campaign.

A petition needs 14,000 signatures to force it to go before a full meeting of Essex County Council for debate.

Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “So far, there has not been a single person we’ve asked who has not wanted to sign the petition.

“We have been up and down the town in shops, not just in Canvey, but across the borough, and have gained more than 1,000 signatures in a couple of weeks.

“Money should not have an effect on vital health and safety services. Crime is just going to go up and up, if these lights are switched off.”

The county council has been running a pilot scheme in Maldon and Uttlesford since 2007, which it claims has caused minimal change to crime and road collision rates and has saved about £70,000 per year.

Changing the way lights are switched on and off would cost £6million, as new switches would need to be fitted to allow them to be controlled remotely from a single location .

Mr Blackwell is hoping the petition gets the backing of Tory-run Castle Point Council to formally oppose County Hall’s plans.

He said: “I really hope the leading party will support it.”

Comments (14)

12:43pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Ian P says...

From what I am reading here, I assume that the petition is a hardcopy. Is it not possible for it to be an on-line petition with the Echo carrying the story, with the petition web address? I am sure the 14K target would be met fairly quickly.
From what I am reading here, I assume that the petition is a hardcopy. Is it not possible for it to be an on-line petition with the Echo carrying the story, with the petition web address? I am sure the 14K target would be met fairly quickly. Ian P

12:52pm Thu 12 Jul 12

howironic says...

Ian P wrote:
From what I am reading here, I assume that the petition is a hardcopy. Is it not possible for it to be an on-line petition with the Echo carrying the story, with the petition web address? I am sure the 14K target would be met fairly quickly.
Absolutely right, I haven't seen anyone undertaking this petition and I'm probably unlike to either.
[quote][p][bold]Ian P[/bold] wrote: From what I am reading here, I assume that the petition is a hardcopy. Is it not possible for it to be an on-line petition with the Echo carrying the story, with the petition web address? I am sure the 14K target would be met fairly quickly.[/p][/quote]Absolutely right, I haven't seen anyone undertaking this petition and I'm probably unlike to either. howironic

1:06pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Devilish82 says...

"Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “So far, there has not been a single person we’ve asked who has not wanted to sign the petition."
Probably a good job he hasn't asked me then as I wouldn't sign the petition. There is no need for ALL of the lights to be on every night.
Personally I don't see the need for them all night long especially on dual carriageways where at night you have head lights on anyway....
"Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said: “So far, there has not been a single person we’ve asked who has not wanted to sign the petition." Probably a good job he hasn't asked me then as I wouldn't sign the petition. There is no need for ALL of the lights to be on every night. Personally I don't see the need for them all night long especially on dual carriageways where at night you have head lights on anyway.... Devilish82

1:10pm Thu 12 Jul 12

SpiffSpaff84 says...

Go door-to-door! I cant imagine a single person who wouldnt sign it, your only limit is the amount of people you ask
Go door-to-door! I cant imagine a single person who wouldnt sign it, your only limit is the amount of people you ask SpiffSpaff84

1:30pm Thu 12 Jul 12

meldrew84 says...

Perhaps they should look at forcing shops to turn their lights off at night before they think about turning off street lights! Or turn off those god awful multi coloured lights on the seafront! But no, that would be far too sensible, instead it's another attack on the safety of the tax payer.
Perhaps they should look at forcing shops to turn their lights off at night before they think about turning off street lights! Or turn off those god awful multi coloured lights on the seafront! But no, that would be far too sensible, instead it's another attack on the safety of the tax payer. meldrew84

1:33pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Truth Will Prevail says...

Good idea, as long as the lights are left on at dangerous junctions and areas with anti social behaviour problems. Be good to see the stars again.
Good idea, as long as the lights are left on at dangerous junctions and areas with anti social behaviour problems. Be good to see the stars again. Truth Will Prevail

2:16pm Thu 12 Jul 12

BenfleetBarrel says...

I want to sign a petition that asks for them to be turned off.
I want to sign a petition that asks for them to be turned off. BenfleetBarrel

2:17pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Chris Flunk says...

I agree, let there be dark!
I agree, let there be dark! Chris Flunk

9:06pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Brunning999 says...

That will upset the greenies who kept talking about global warming 5 years ago, and said we need water meters to control the use of water which would be in short demand due to global warming the very same idiots that now say we must expect more rain due to global warming.

Will ignore those idiots far better to be able to see clearly rather than not being able to see in the dark.

As for be greenies go to Hell!
That will upset the greenies who kept talking about global warming 5 years ago, and said we need water meters to control the use of water which would be in short demand due to global warming the very same idiots that now say we must expect more rain due to global warming. Will ignore those idiots far better to be able to see clearly rather than not being able to see in the dark. As for be greenies go to Hell! Brunning999

11:45am Fri 13 Jul 12

Whatthe* says...

sublight wrote:
Why not try this new product Sub light and never be left in darkness after midnight.It’s a new product to help eliminate the problem of the total blackout situation of street lights It’s a new cost effective product that switches on Sub lights at only a fraction of the cost after midnight. Local Authorities throughout the country have been switching off and dimming street lights at night time in order to save costs.How it operates is, a low energy led sub light is connected to a new sub light photocell and fitted alongside the main street light. At midnight the main street light switches off and the new low energy sub light switches on. This will result in a lower level of street lighting and a considerable saving in electricity costs.This solution responds to the concerns of local residents who have been concerned about their security due to their estates being in total darkness throughout the night.By using the sub light and sub light photocell there is no requirement for rewiring or special tooling and no interference or modifications to existing street lights.Just plug n play, Job done in minutes.It works very well, saving money, saving on CO2, saving on electricity and we are not left in darkness after midnight.

Reduces energy costs
Reduces maintenance costs
Reduces carbon emissions

Reduces vandalism and theft
Improves customer satisfaction
Improves revenue generation
Quite right use Technology to reduce costs and stop us returning to the dark ages..


Also Castle Point has 80,000+ people living in it, so a consultation is the correct way to go forward to Essex County Council.
[quote][p][bold]sublight[/bold] wrote: Why not try this new product Sub light and never be left in darkness after midnight.It’s a new product to help eliminate the problem of the total blackout situation of street lights It’s a new cost effective product that switches on Sub lights at only a fraction of the cost after midnight. Local Authorities throughout the country have been switching off and dimming street lights at night time in order to save costs.How it operates is, a low energy led sub light is connected to a new sub light photocell and fitted alongside the main street light. At midnight the main street light switches off and the new low energy sub light switches on. This will result in a lower level of street lighting and a considerable saving in electricity costs.This solution responds to the concerns of local residents who have been concerned about their security due to their estates being in total darkness throughout the night.By using the sub light and sub light photocell there is no requirement for rewiring or special tooling and no interference or modifications to existing street lights.Just plug n play, Job done in minutes.It works very well, saving money, saving on CO2, saving on electricity and we are not left in darkness after midnight. Reduces energy costs Reduces maintenance costs Reduces carbon emissions Reduces vandalism and theft Improves customer satisfaction Improves revenue generation[/p][/quote]Quite right use Technology to reduce costs and stop us returning to the dark ages.. Also Castle Point has 80,000+ people living in it, so a consultation is the correct way to go forward to Essex County Council. Whatthe*

12:59pm Fri 13 Jul 12

APR says...

It makes you wonder how people manage to drive at night, in areas where there are no lights.

I wish I were able to look up at the night sky, without the views being ruined by light pollution.
It makes you wonder how people manage to drive at night, in areas where there are no lights. I wish I were able to look up at the night sky, without the views being ruined by light pollution. APR

1:54pm Fri 13 Jul 12

John T Pharro says...

Whatthe* wrote:
sublight wrote:
Why not try this new product Sub light and never be left in darkness after midnight.It’s a new product to help eliminate the problem of the total blackout situation of street lights It’s a new cost effective product that switches on Sub lights at only a fraction of the cost after midnight. Local Authorities throughout the country have been switching off and dimming street lights at night time in order to save costs.How it operates is, a low energy led sub light is connected to a new sub light photocell and fitted alongside the main street light. At midnight the main street light switches off and the new low energy sub light switches on. This will result in a lower level of street lighting and a considerable saving in electricity costs.This solution responds to the concerns of local residents who have been concerned about their security due to their estates being in total darkness throughout the night.By using the sub light and sub light photocell there is no requirement for rewiring or special tooling and no interference or modifications to existing street lights.Just plug n play, Job done in minutes.It works very well, saving money, saving on CO2, saving on electricity and we are not left in darkness after midnight.

Reduces energy costs
Reduces maintenance costs
Reduces carbon emissions

Reduces vandalism and theft
Improves customer satisfaction
Improves revenue generation
Quite right use Technology to reduce costs and stop us returning to the dark ages..


Also Castle Point has 80,000+ people living in it, so a consultation is the correct way to go forward to Essex County Council.
This sounds like a solid sound idea and fulfills all the criteria therefore with Essex CC and Castle Point Council doesn't stand a chance.
[quote][p][bold]Whatthe*[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sublight[/bold] wrote: Why not try this new product Sub light and never be left in darkness after midnight.It’s a new product to help eliminate the problem of the total blackout situation of street lights It’s a new cost effective product that switches on Sub lights at only a fraction of the cost after midnight. Local Authorities throughout the country have been switching off and dimming street lights at night time in order to save costs.How it operates is, a low energy led sub light is connected to a new sub light photocell and fitted alongside the main street light. At midnight the main street light switches off and the new low energy sub light switches on. This will result in a lower level of street lighting and a considerable saving in electricity costs.This solution responds to the concerns of local residents who have been concerned about their security due to their estates being in total darkness throughout the night.By using the sub light and sub light photocell there is no requirement for rewiring or special tooling and no interference or modifications to existing street lights.Just plug n play, Job done in minutes.It works very well, saving money, saving on CO2, saving on electricity and we are not left in darkness after midnight. Reduces energy costs Reduces maintenance costs Reduces carbon emissions Reduces vandalism and theft Improves customer satisfaction Improves revenue generation[/p][/quote]Quite right use Technology to reduce costs and stop us returning to the dark ages.. Also Castle Point has 80,000+ people living in it, so a consultation is the correct way to go forward to Essex County Council.[/p][/quote]This sounds like a solid sound idea and fulfills all the criteria therefore with Essex CC and Castle Point Council doesn't stand a chance. John T Pharro

5:01pm Fri 13 Jul 12

APR says...

It's a wonder they haven't got our MP (Rebecca Whatshername ) backing this one.
After her failed and misconceived attempt at getting the clocks changed.
It's a wonder they haven't got our MP (Rebecca Whatshername ) backing this one. After her failed and misconceived attempt at getting the clocks changed. APR

9:59am Sat 14 Jul 12

APR says...

What should also be done, (if we must have lights left on) is have lights similar to the new ones close to the airport.

Where the light is directed straight down onto the road.
What should also be done, (if we must have lights left on) is have lights similar to the new ones close to the airport. Where the light is directed straight down onto the road. APR

Comments are closed on this article.

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