A MAN is spearheading a campaign to stop the overnight switch-off of street lights across Essex.

Charles March said the plans, currently being reviewed by Essex County Council, would be a nightmare and violent crime would inevitably rocket.

The plan was recently piloted between midnight and 5am in Maldon and Uttlesford.

Mr March, 65, of High Barnet, Pitsea, also believes the move would not save much taxpayers’ money and would have little effect on the environment.

He said: “They have tested it in more rural parts of the county, but not somewhere big like Basildon, Chelmsford or Colchester yet, where things are completely different.

“My main objections are the impact it will have on crime, when residents have to be kept in darkness.

“They’re talking nonsense about the environment. It won’t have the slightest effect in the overall picture.

“When the council has to deal with billions of pounds, it’s hardly going to save that much money either.”

The council said that in areas where the scheme was trialled, the number of crimes fell, while costs were saved because electricity usage fell by a third, which was better for the environment.

Scott Wilson, county council spokesman, said a safer communities committee was looking at whether the scheme could be applied countywide, but had not made a decision yet.

He said: “There are all sorts of exceptions. It’s only areas that are least used.

“Main roads, town centre lights and lights around the town centre would not be turned off.”

Mr March has asked anyone interested in joining his campaign to call him on 01268 451811.