SWITCHING off street lights could lead to more crime and make people feel vulnerable, it has been claimed.

Essex County Council is planning to turn off “unnecessary” lights between midnight and 5am.

The authority says it could save as much as £1million a year and reduce carbon emissions.

Carole Dennis, chairman of Colchester Neighbourhood Watch, said many of her members were still against the idea and had concerns over safety.

Mrs Dennis added: “A house in a dark road is an invitation to a burglar.

“A lot of my members agree with me, but it is something that has been rumbling on for a long time and it looks like they are going to do it now.”

Jackie Pell, chairman of the Halstead Crime Prevention Panel, knows elderly people who are concerned.

She said: “Some of those lived through the war and know what it’s like in the dark and it’s not very nice.

“I know some people who are afraid to walk through town at night and that’s with the lights on.

“I know it’s perception, but you can’t stop people being frightened.”

Mrs Pell questioned the cost of installing the new technology to switch of some lightss when other council services are being cut.

Fellow panel member Barbara Carr, of Warren Road, Halstead, a former mayor, said: “I think it is going to encourage crime, especially where the elderly are. They are so vulnerable.”

Veronica Harman, manager of Halstead Day Centre, said: “I don’t think it would make a great difference to the elderly people because most are not out at that time.

“I would be concerned about break-ins and vandalism and for the young girls walking home from a night out.”

Essex County Council will consult local authorities to decide which street lights will be turned off.

It says lights will remain on in well-used areas, such as town centres.

New technology, such as light dimmers and energy-efficient bulbs, could also be used so not all lights have to be turned off.

The council will also review street lighting on roads that used to be main traffic routes, but have now fallen out of use.