FUNDING could be available for new LED bulbs to light Harwich’s streets at night, it has been revealed.

Essex County Council plunged towns and villages across the Tendring district into darkness in March in an effort to save cash.

But residents have blamed the midnight to 5am switch-off for a rise in crime in Harwich and claimed they are living in fear.

Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin has said energy-efficient LED lights, used in other counties, have previously been rejected as a replacement due to costs.

But he is now calling on the county council’s highways chief, Rodney Bass, to consider using the cheaper lighting after finding funding options.

“I have sent the council a proposal involving the use of LED lighting to make it viable for them to keep some lighting on at night," he said.

In a letter to Mr Bass, Mr Jenkin said: “There is strong public demand for at least some lighting to be kept on all night.

“The ability to return to all-night lighting, at least on a selective basis, would be extremely welcome.”