Essex: Street light switch off

AFTER a “successful” trail of switching off street lights at night to save money Essex County Council voted on Tuesday to roll out the initiative across the county.

Uttlesford was originally chosen alongside Maldon for a trial where lights would be flicked off between midnight and 5am.

Fears over an increase in crime proved to be unfounded and the council has chosen to employ the energy-saving policy to 75 per sent of Essex, saving �1million per year.

However, Plextek will supply 130,000 remote controlled photocell sensors at an initial cost of �6.5million, meaning it will take six years to see any return.

The plan remains controversial with many residents who, despite evidence to the contrary, fear the darkness will encourage criminals to target homes and businesses.

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