THE idea of switching off our street lighting (Reporter, December 7) is absolutely crazy. Putting aside the safety issues and perceived dangers with an enforced blackout, think about the immense logistical problems of providing feeder pillars (containing

THE idea of switching off our street lighting (Reporter, December 7) is absolutely crazy.

Putting aside the safety issues and perceived dangers with an enforced blackout, think about the immense logistical problems of providing feeder pillars (containing time controls) and time switches at substations in order to provide the switching at our expense!

Roads will need to be dug up and some new cables laid in order to keep the signs and bollards operating 24 hours a day (which by law have to remain on).

Other councils, which shall remain nameless, have had to admit total failure, leaving local residents with big bills for the original works and scarred roads (after being dug up).

If I am talking nonsense then please, challenge me. I am not afraid to leave my name but still reserve the right to remain anonymous if I should wish!

Would it not be better to ringfence the money, which we pay through our council tax, and allow a vote by the people as to how much we are willing to pay to provide our lighting needs rather than an arrogant Essex County Council trying to save money (which we have paid them) in order to spend it on other things for which we have no say.

I Blows

Byrds Farm Lane

Saffron Walden