Keep our lights on

Essex County Council wants to turn off the street lights in Epping Forest between midnight and 5 in the morning.

The Conservative led council say it will be less environmentally damaging, but the real reason is to save money.

Local Liberal Democrats along with The Institute of Lighting Engineers doubts that the Conservatives' proposals will save energy overall. They suggest dimming streetlights - not switching them off.

Councillor Ann Haigh recently raised residents' concerns with the county council. "Many Loughton and Buckhurst Hill residents use the tube to travel home after midnight," said Councillor Haigh. "They will now be forced to walk some of their journey home in the dark."

Out on the beat

Before Christmas Councillor Ann Haigh spent a night on the beat with local Police Officers in Loughton.

"I saw at first hand the number of people out past midnight. Turning off the streets would have a detrimental effect on night time economy in so many of our towns."