SUPPORT for proposals by opposition councillors to switch the streetlights back on in Rochford is gathering momentum.

John Mason, leader of the opposition at Rochford District Council, wants to pay Essex County Council £59,000 to turn the lights back on in the area.

After posting the idea on his Facebook page, the proposal has gained support from residents as well as other independent councillors, including Phil and Tracy Capon, independent Conservative Toby Mountain and the Green Party’s Michael and Diane Hoy.

The money would come out of next year’s district council budget.

Mr Mason said: “The issue is that the majority of people do not seem to feel safe, whatever is said to them or whatever evidence is offered.

“We are going about this through the proper channels. I have asked the council to include the payment in next year’s budget, but if it doesn’t, then we will table a motion in full council for it to be added in.

“We hope our Lib Dem, Ukip and Labour colleagues would vote with us as safety needs to be preserved.”

Mr Mason and his colleague Mr Hoy, Green Party councillor for Hullbridge, found savings in the areas of insurance, third party software, training and legal services which would fund the £59,000.

Mr Mason also allayed fears of residents paying twice for the service.

He said: “The county authority identified £59,000 as the amount saved by the night-time switchoff of the district’s lights.

“It has now reduced its budget for street lighting, so to restore street lighting would be a single cost on the district council budget.”

Yvonne Woodward, the district council’s head of finance, said Mr Mason’s proposal would be considered.

She said: “We have received the suggestion and will look into the request along with any other ideas we receive through the public budget consultation.

“The consultation is available on the council’s website or you can request paper copies by contacting Andrew Lowing on 01702 546366. The closing date for submission is January 16, 2015.”

Essex County Council was unavailable for comment.

What they said on Facebook

MARK ALLEN: “It isn’t safe.

"Plenty of people still get off the train after midnight and it’s not safe for anyone walking on their own at that time of night with no street lamps on.”

JAMES WITCHELL: “Please turn them back on! Ridiculous idea in the first place.”

PAM GOODCHILD: “Yes yes yes please, it’s so dangerous.”

ELIZABETH ALLEN: “Please put the lights on or at least every second light. It’s so scary when it’s so dark. My husband’s van was broken in to and there are a lot of kids hanging around.”

PAULA HARBROW: “Since the lights have been off I have been burgled. It’s a terrifying experience, so please put the lights back on. Even the police I spoke to were against the switch-off as they couldn’t find law breakers in the dark.”

CHARLOTTE O’CONNELL: “Yes please, back on! I work nights and am on the road during the switch-off. They’ve not reduced our council tax. Definitely would feel safer with them back on.”

LINDA MATTHEWS: “Would like them back on. Have had to resort to leaving our outside light on all night because you can’t see a thing if you hear a noise. Often forget to turn it off during the day. What’s that doing for the environment?”

TERRY STEWARD: “It’s going to be even more treacherous when the snow blurs the lines on the road. The council will have all sorts of lawsuits. It will be cheaper in the long run to switch the lights back on.”