Residents in a Northfleet cul-de-sac have been left in the dark after lampposts were removed without warning.

People living at the far end of Coopers Road were plunged into darkness when three lights were cut down and wrapped with yellow tape by Kent County Council workmen.

Two were in the cul-de-sac itself while the third lit up an alleyway.

Resident Ann Hudd said KCC did not give any notice or explanation for the work, which was carried out more than two weeks ago.

The 67-year-old, who is disabled, said the street and alley were now “pitch black” and dangerous to use.

She also slammed what she described as the council’s “blase” attitude.

“The first we knew about what was happening was when they were taking the one down opposite my house in the dark.

“My husband, David, said: ‘Whatever is that noise?’ and when he looked out there were the guys taking down the lamppost in the dark.

“They have cut them down and wrapped tape around them. We had no idea this was going to happen and the lights hadn’t been causing any problems.

“There are three disabled people living here and the road is now pitch black. When my son came to see me the other night he couldn’t even find the keyhole in the door.

“The darkness in the alley is absolutely terrifying. You can’t even see your hand in front of your face.

“We have now been told they have been taken down for safety reasons but I’m really cross over KCC’s blase attitude. They cannot care about community safety, or even health and safety.”

Mrs Hudd said lampposts had also been removed in nearby Coldharbour Road and Newman’s Road.

A spokesman for KCC said the lampposts in Coopers Road were removed for safety reasons as part of its structural testing programme.

He added that temporary lights should be installed by the end of the week with further work to replace the lampposts scheduled to take place in the new year.