Let there be light at estate crime hotspot...vicar leads the way in calls to leave street lights on

Some 29 per cent of crimes on the estate occur on the path between Whitethorn Close and Greenstead Road, it is claimed.

The Greenstead and Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Action Panel asked for the nine street lights to stay on, because of the high risk of crime.

Essex County Council, which is turning off seven out of ten street lights in Colchester later this month, has decided the path will not be an exception.

The Rev Martin Pierce, panel chairman, said: “This is a deplorable decision.

“We put this path forward with the backing of the police, because it is an area of particularly high crime.

“Our reason was to protect the well-being of the students and residents walking home, but it appears we haven’t been listened to, which is very disappointing.”

The path is often used by students as a cut-through between Greenstead Road and Forest Road, where there is Essex University accommodation.

Lights in a subway, which runs under St Andrews Avenue, will be kept on all night.

Julie Young, borough councillor for St Andrew’s and county councillor for Wivenhoe St Andrew, is a member of the neighbourhood action panel.

She submitted a personal request for the path to be excluded from the switch-off plans.

She said: “It is very frustrating.

What is the point of having a consultation and asking for our knowledge if it is completely ignored?”

Mrs Young said she would continue to lobby for a rethink, before the scheme is implemented on Monday, November 18.

Since April, about 20 crimes have been reported in the area.

County Hall’s refusal to make an exception has also angered Essex University and its Students’ Union.

A university spokesman said: “We are concerned about the safety of our students and will be monitoring closely the impact of these measures.

“We have a representative on the neighbourhood action panel, so will use that forum to raise any concerns.

“We will be keeping students informed about the changes.”

Chantel Le Carpentier, Students’ Union welfare and community officer, said: “We are astounded Essex County Council is putting money before resident safety.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “The decision to introduce part-night lighting in the areas indicated on the maps was taken following an extensive consultation, and was deemed appropriate after consideration of all comments received.

“However, the decision to delay the rollout of the scheme in Basildon and Colchester by twoweeks was to allow residents the opportunity to view the plans and alert us to any specific areas of concern which may have not already been highlighted, should amendments need to be made.”

The council is turning off street lights between midnight and 5am to save £1million a year on its electricity bill.

Its e-mailed response to the Whitethorn Close to Greenstead Road path request said: “There are no exceptional circumstances justifying departure from usual criteria.”