STREETLIGHTS could remain on if they are changed to LED bulbs, it is claimed.

Castle Point Council is considering whether the lights, which are currently turned off between 1am and 5am, should remain on across the borough.

A council report has suggested pressure could be put on Essex County Council to complete its LED replacement works on street lamps and then night lighting could be reconsidered.

The Canvey Independent Party has called on the council to follow Basildon Council and pay for lights to stay on all night in the interests of community safety.

And Tory council leader Norman Smith said he would be willing to consider this if the lights are changed.

He said: “It would cost Castle Point Council about £107,000 a year to keep the lights on.

“This is a lot of money that could be better used for other services including children’s services.

“I expect it will be about 10 per cent of the current cost if we replace all our bulbs with LED technology.

“I think it could then be worthwhile our council paying for this but we will consider this more in time.”

However others claim Castle Point Council must get the lights on now to improve safety.

Danielle Roberts, 33, of Long Road, Canvey, said: “We never should have had the lights turned off.”

A petition is currently being considered at Rochford Council with similar calls made after Basildon families got their lights back.

The full-year cost for the lights being switched back on across the Basildon borough is currently £275,000 a year.

Basildon Council agreed to fund all-night lighting throughout Basildon until March 2020, with the intention to agree in February 2020 to four years’ further payments to keep the lights on all night until March 2024.

Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council : “This is a conversation for Castle Point Council to have with their residents at this stage, but if they want this to happen, I am more than happy to enter discussions with them, as we have done successfully in other parts of Essex.

“These discussions will also need to address the bigger picture, which is about the cost to councils and taxpayers, and of course environmental factors.”