A ROW has broken out among Basildon’s Tories after MP John Baron backed County Hall proposals to switch off street lights on many of the borough’s roads after midnight.

Mr Baron said the planned midnight-5am blackout would not lead to more crime, because this had been the case in other districts where it had been tried.

However, David Abrahall, Tory Basildon councillor for Pitsea South East, condemned the change, scheduled to start in November, saying it was solely to save money.

He added: “Basildon is not Maldon or Uttlesford and this decision could be highly damaging.I have always respected and supported Mr Baron’s decisions, but I’m afraid in his support of this disgusting money-grabbing action he does not speak for me.”

However Mr Baron responded: “I have long advocated energy saving initiatives, including turning off traffic lights in the early hours.

“We need to have a calm reflection on the consultation which I believe to be genuine.”