CALLS to turn off streetlights at night have been rejected due to the impact it could have on safety and crime.

Southend Council has promised to tackle light pollution but conceded any action would be limited.

Southend is among several regions across the UK suffering “severely” from light pollution, according to research by The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

The group conducted a nationwide survey to explore how artificial light from streets and buildings are impacting the night sky.

It attracted 2,300 participants and the results found in the centre of Southend it was not possible to see more than ten stars due to night light pollution.

Similar problems were highlighted in Thurrock and Basildon.

Across the country just two per cent reported “truly dark skies” where they were able to count more than 30 stars.

The campaign group now wants to see councils limiting night lighting and investing in street light dimming schemes.

Supporters are also encouraging residents to ensure security and outdoor lights are only on “when and where they are needed”.

Emma Marrington, dark skies campaigner at CPRE, said: “Without intervention, our night sky will continue to be lost under a veil of artificial light, to the detriment of our own health, and the health of the natural world.”

However, the calls are unlikely to get support from many families in the borough who have been calling for an increase in street lighting at night due to concerns over crime.

Carl Robinson, director of public protection for Southend Council, said: “We are committed to reducing light pollution where possible across the borough and we have completed an ambitious project to replace all of our street lights with LED lights.

“We specifically chose LED lights as they have minimal light overspill into homes, and this project alone has drastically reduced light pollution.

“It is important to highlight the fact there are few areas where no street lights would be a viable option as we must consider public protection.

“We will review the report and see how we can further reduce light pollution in a safe, cost effective way.”