A ‘COST-saving exercise’ has been criticised by ward councillors amid fears of increased crime.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Hampshire County Council made the decision to turn off streetlights in a number of areas across the borough in a bid to reduce energy and light pollution.

From April this year, the county council has turned off lights in certain residential areas between the hours of 1am and 4am.

However, South Ham councillors on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have received a number of complaints from residents saying that the turn off has led to a ‘fear of crime’ in the area.

Ward member Colin Regan, said that older residents are disturbed by their neighbourhood being plunged into pitch black at night.

Now, councillors have raised concerns after it was rumoured that the country council was looking to increase the time the lights were switched off.

Cllr Regan said: “Switching the streetlights off as a cost-saving exercise is a threat to resident’s safety and increased fear of crime.

“Hampshire County Council are now proposing to increase the hours of darkness. It is a disgrace in such a wealthy county that the Tory-controlled council cannot keep the lights on.

“I call in the interests of public safety ‘to switch the streetlights back on.”

The initiative was rolled out by the county council in a bid to save £230,000 in energy costs.

During the consultation period when the proposal as to whether the lights should be turned off was put to the public, 5,444 people across Hampshire took part, as well as 141 organisations, businesses, and groups.

Hampshire County Council has been approached for a comment regarding the concerns expressed in South Ham.