EIGHT roads on a crime-ridden estate have had street lights switched back on overnight, but the measure will only last a fortnight.

There have been 81 burglaries on the Wick estate, in Wickford, between September 1 and October 20, of which 33 were attempted and 48 full burglaries.

Insp Shaun Kane, district commander for Basildon, held talks with officers from Basildon Council and Essex County Council about leaving lights on overnight in a bid to combat the issue.

It has been announced that Douglas Drive, Ramsey Chase, Holme Walk, Potton Drive, Carswell Gardens, Carlyle Gardens, Mapleleaf Gardens and Twinstead will have their lights left on for 14 days.

Although residents are happy that action is being taken, there is some discontent that only these roads will be lit, and only for a short time.

Campaigner Eunice Brockman, 60, of Mount Close, said: “While it is good that there streets are having their lights back on, it is not good for the rest of Wickford.

“What is happening is that these criminals have moved to other parts of Wickford, including Ozonia and Bromfords. We need all the lights back on.”

She added that is was important that everyone locked their doors and windows and kept outside lights on.

Speaking at a recent meeting between residents and the police, Sgt Rob Maile defended the plan.

He said: “This is a quick fix measure in response to a request from Essex Police and is not long term. It is only for two weeks across eight roads only and the council will not extend the coverage or the time frame.

“Long term change to the current council policy is out of the control of Essex Police.

“Research shows that there is no crime difference whether street lights are on or off.”

The meeting, attended by more than 100 residents, also revealed at the meeting that 90 per cent of the burglaries are due to opportunist youngsters aged between 12 and 16.

An Essex County Council spokesman confirmed that it has agreed to restore all-night lighting to a selection of roads in Wickford to “reassure” the community. He added there was no evidence part night lighting had increased crime.