A YOUNG man who was fatally struck by a car “would have easily been seen” if street lights were on at the time, it is claimed.

The family of Conor Wells believe that if street lights had been on when he was hit in Somnes Avenue, Canvey, he may have been more visible.

The 20-year-old was hit by Liam Morrissey’s car on November 24, 2019 shortly after 4am, and died from his injuries.

Morrissey, 38, of Munsterburg Road, Canvey, admitted having defective eyesight at the time of the crash but was not prosecuted for causing Conor’s death.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday that the police investigation had been “exhaustive” and that there had been no street lighting at the time of the crash.

Donna Newman, 47, Conor’s mother, said; “The council need to take some responsibility for Conor’s death as he would easily have been seen if the lights were on.

“My son’s life is worth more than the money they save on turning street lights off at night.

“We miss Conor so much and still struggle to get to sleep at night as the silence in the house is deafening.”

Essex Highways are responsible for the lighting of the roads on Canvey and the rest of Castle Point.

Norman Smith, leader of Castle Point Council, said that Somnes Avenue should be fully lit throughout the night and would investigate the matter.

He said: “If it’s a main road there should be lighting.

“It’s only side roads that it goes off.

“As far as I am aware all main roads should have lights on and I know that’s the case.

“I believe Somnes Avenue is a main road. That surprises me, it may be an area that needs to be looked at.

“I will investigate in terms of what has been said and make representations.”

Mr Smith added: “It’s very sad to think someone that young has lost their life.

“It doesn’t bare thinking about what that family has been through, and the shock of losing him.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “We offer our sincere condolences to the family for the tragic loss of their son. Following a similar line of enquiry we have previously written at length to Conor’s mother, Mrs Newman.

“As with all fatal and serious collisions, the police carried out a comprehensive investigation, with our full cooperation.

“Should any highway recommendations be made either from our own internal fatal collision investigation, the police forensic investigation or following on from the coroner’s inquest, the highway authority will acknowledge these requests and review the situation accordingly.”