CONCERNED residents and councillors are uniting against plans to switch off Basildon’s street lights.

There are fears the borough could see some streets blacked out within six weeks as part of an Essex County Council plan to save money and energy.

County Hall insists no firm decision has been taken as to when the lights will be turned off, but residents fear it will spark a rise in crime whenever it happens.

Ron Noble, 57, of Roodegate, Basildon, says he has experienced an early dose of potential problems as his lighting has been off for four days due to an electrical fault.

He said: ”Without any lights it is as black as anything.

“It is ridiculous. Street lights are basic. I know they are doing this as a cost-cutting measure, but I think they will be saving a penny here and wasting money elsewhere.

“My daughter comes home from work at 1am and if the lights are switched off, then I am worried for her safety.”

County councillors gave the thumbs up to plans to switch off 70 per cent of lights across the county between midnight and 5am in June.

The proposalis estimated to save more than £14million in electricity bills over the next three years.

However, the scheme has attracted fierce criticism from councillors and opposition groups. Keith Bobbin, ward councillor for Pitsea North West, is drumming up support from fellow Basildon councillors to stop the county council from switching the lights off.

He said: “Basildon is very heavily populated with housing estates. I am worried if the lights are switched off, people will be afraid that crime will increase and people will fear going out at night.”

Tracey Chapman, cabinet member for highways, said: “We would like to clarify part-night street lighting is not scheduled to start in Basildon in six weeks.

“We have not made a final decision on when this will be for each district and borough.

“Moving to part-night street lighting across Essex will deliver significant savings, reductions in carbon emissions and light pollution.”