ROADS have been left in “complete blackout” because street lights have been out of action for more than a week.

The lights along Great Gregorie and Ardleigh, Basildon, have been off since last Tuesday.

Council bosses are furious at the “dangerous” conditions residents face.

School bosses have also called for the problem to be fixed before the school term begins and after school clubs start.

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Kerry Smith, former deputy leader at Basildon Council, said: “It’s ridiculous. There must be 20 lampposts along the two roads that aren’t working.

“You’re expecting residents to walk in the pitch black over pavement on Great Gregorie that has been scheduled for repair.

“The curb is all out of line with the pavement. It’s a death trap.”

Residents have been left fearing the worst when leaving their cars parked nearby derelict garages on Ardleigh, with the lights switched off.

In recent years, Basildon Council campaigned County Hall to get the towns streetlights switched on overnight, and was successful.

The lights will remain switched on until March 2024 overnight in Basildon.

The annual cost initially will be approximately £275,000, however this cost should come down by as much as 40 per cent once the borough’s lights are upgraded to cost effective and efficient LED lights.

Sue Jackson, headteacher at the nearby Lee Chapel Primary School said: “Where the parents aren’t coming in at the moment, we haven’t had any complaints. But after school clubs are coming back soon.

“The swimming club is there later into the evening, so it needs to be resolved by then.”

Mr Smith, councillor for Nethermayne ward, added: “People are getting worried. It’s really frustrating that nothing has been done. I haven’t been given a timescale for when it’s going to be fixed.”

A spokesman from Essex County Council, said: “We can confirm there are three power supply cable faults on Great Gregorie and Ardleigh, meaning a total of 21 street lights aren’t working. UKPN, have been informed and are currently undertaking the repairs.”