CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has called on County Hall bosses to show more “common sense” by switching some streetlights back on.

He is calling on residents with specific concerns about a particular street light to contact him.

He will then raise the issue directly with Essex County Council to see if there can be a “rethink”.

“This is a controversial decision,” said Mr Carswell.

“Having looked carefully at the criteria used to decide which lights to keep on and which to switch off, I believe that there are grounds for discretion.

“I am proposing that we have a bit of common sense.

“Looking at the council guidelines, it does seem to be a question of judgement, rather than black and white rules.

“For example, footpaths and alleys are supposed to be exempt, so are mixed residential and commercial areas.”

Mr Carswell said he has already challenged the decision to switch streetlights off in Upper Branston Road, Clacton, and at an alleyway between Elm Tree Avenue and Gatefield Close, Walton, following complaints from residents.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “As with all areas that have been moved onto part-night lighting, the county council is happy to receive information from local residents as to the lights that they believe meet the exemption criteria and therefore should be moved off of the part-night lighting scheme.

“These responses will be carefully considered.”