PROPOSALS to turn street lights back on all night across Castle Point have been rejected by council bosses.

The motion, which would see the lights switched on all night for the first time since 2013, was rejected at a cabinet meeting over fears it would cost an additional £107,000 per year.

Cabinet members argued lighting is the responsibility of Essex County Council to pay for, rather than Castle Point Council, and recommended the council should lobby County Hall to accelerate its LED replacement programme, which could lead to a cheaper deal.

They will then investigate whether they can use the ongoing savings to fund the keeping on of street lights.

At the meeting, Councillor Jeffrey Stanley who represents the Boyce ward, said: “It’s absolutely inconceivable that anyone should expect Castle Point Council to pay £107,000 to keep the street lights on when that is quite clearly the responsibility of Essex County Council.

“If we were to pay for it, it comes from the people living in Castle Point.”

Councillor Dave Blackwell, who represents Canvey Island Central, said: “You’ve only got to look on the different crime groups to see all the CCTV and reports of people being burgled in the middle of the night. Crime does happen then and we can’t be in denial.

“Basildon, Thurrock and Southend seem to all think more about community safety than we do, as they’ve all put their lights on.

“What price is community safety?”

Street lights currently operate on a part night basis, and are switched off between 1am and 5am Tuesday to Sunday, and Sunday night from midnight to 5am on Monday morning.

Councillor Godfrey Isaacs, who represents the St. James’ ward, added: “When you look at Castle Point compared to other districts, there’s no actual evidence or correlation in saying that more crime happens between 1am and 5am. It mostly happens in daylight, or before the lights go off at 1am.

“Yes, community safety is important and should be funded, but not at the detriment of our taxpayers.”

when somebody else should be paying for it.”