STREET lights could be turned back on across Castle Point with councillors and residents set to pressure bosses to follow Basildon’s lead.

Basildon Council is set to fork out £146,000 to pay for street lights in the borough to be turned back on during the early hours of the morning.

And hot on the heels of that proposal, Canvey Independent David Blackwell has prepared a motion for Castle Point Council’s next full council meeting urging a similar agreement to be found - citing community safety as a concern.

He said: “We will urge the leader of Castle Point council to follow Basildon’s example to help improve community safety.

“I have already drafted a motion to be submitted to the next full council meeting.”

An agreement between Basildon Council and Essex County Council will see lights turned back on from October 31 - if plans are agreed on Wednesday.

The lights have been off between the hours of midnight and 5am since February 2014.

The times were later altered to 1am until 5am.

Joan Thomas, 56, of Long Road, said: “We never should have had the lights turned off anyway. I don’t know if there is proof crime has increased, but it certainly feels that way.

“I know residents would certainly feel a lot safer as well. We have a lot of homes being targeted at night, and the darkness suits the criminals.

“If spending extra can improve the feeling of safety I am all for it.”

But Castle Point Council leader, Norman Smith, claimed fears surrounding the street light turn off had not materialised, but discussions would take place.

He said: “I think we have to make a judgement.

Every penny we spend is taxpayers’ money and we have to ask what do they want with their money?

Do they want lights back on, or do they want money invested elsewhere?

“Most people I have spoken to have said they are happy with the lights being off these days, and I think the statistics show we have not had an increase in home burglaries in those hours.”

We will look at it, and discussions will take place with residents and at the council.”