POLICE issued advice to residents worried about a planned street light switch-off during the early hours.

Essex County Council revealed on Monday a timetable to turn off the majority of its street lights from midnight until 5am across the county in a bid to save £1million a year.

It will be introduced in Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford from November.

Steven Armson-Smith, Essex Police crime reduction officer, said he understood some residents were worried about an increase in crime, but emphasised a pilot scheme in Maldon and Uttlesford districts had shown no increase.

He added: “Street lighting doesn’t impact on people taking responsibility to protect their property. These are two separate issues.

“The advice I would always give is ‘make your home look occupied’.

“Some lights should be on from dusk until dawn.”

Ukip councillors at County Hall vowed to raise a motion to reverse the decision at Essex County Council’s next full meeting on October 15.

Laindon Park and Fryerns Ukip councillor Mark Ellis added: “You need to consider the number of hazards already there like potholes, speed bumps and chicanes.”

Pitsea’s Labour county councillor Melissa McGeorge, said: “Residents are already in fear of their safety at night.

“Are people meant to carry torches so they can see all the problem paving so they don't trip over on their way home from a night out?”