STREETLIGHTS in some parts of Wickford will be switched back on throughout the night after a string of safety concerns were raised.

Essex County Council has agreed to scrap part-night lighting at the back entrance of Wickford train station, in Upper Market Road, and around homes in Kingsley Meadows.

The last train gets in to the station, which is part of the Greater Anglia line, at just after 1.30am – 30 minutes after streets are plunged into darkness.

This has led to complaints from passengers struggling to make their way home without falling over or feeling terrified of being targeted by criminals.

In Kingsley Meadows, off Golden Jubilee Way, motorists have struggled to see speed bumps in the road.

Nigel Le Gresley, Ukip county councillor for Wickford Crouch and Wickford Castledon candidate in the upcoming borough elections, has been pushing for more streetlights to be kept on overnight.

He recently tripped over a kerb and fell while walking home from the train station.

Mr Le Gresley said: “It’s a shame we couldn’t get the lights turned on along the whole of Market Avenue as well, but this will definitely make the streets a bit safer and give residents peace of mind.

“It’s literally pitch black when you come out of the train station, so it’s very dangerous.

“I have been fighting for changes to the part-night lighting policy since 2013, but I’m pleased County Hall has finally listen to some of my recommendations.

Some politicians see it as a sign of weakness, but I see it as a sign of strength they listen to their opponents.”

Essex County Council turned to part-night lighting in a bid to save more than £1million every year.

Until the beginning of this month, lights were turned off between midnight and 5am, but they now stay on for an extra hour.

Malcolm Buckley, Tory county councilllor for Wickford Crouch, said: “When the policy was introduced we always said it would be kept under review and if there were areas where there was a particular risk, the lights would be kept on.

“It seems reasonable with trains coming in during the early hours of the morning there should be some lights around there for passengers to pick up taxis or make their way home.

“We need to be mindful of the fact there is a fear of crime which is perceived to be greater when it’s dark, even though this is not actually the case.”

Other candidates standing in Wickford Castledon in the Basildon Council elections are Don Morris (Conservative) and Jenefer Taylor (Labour).