A campaign to reverse a decision to turn off thousands of street lights at night is being backed by members of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Labour Party.

As part of a drive by Kent County Council (KCC) to cut costs, 3,000 lamps have been switched off.

After a year-long trial, they will now be removed altogether.

Another 70,000 are likely to be switched off after midnight, to save £1 million a year.

Following concerns raised by residents, Labour politicians are highlighting a petition, called Right to Light, opposing the blackout.

It calls upon KCC to reinstate street lights while further consultation, together with risk assessments, are carried out.

Roger Truelove, county councillor for Swale central, said: “Much more serious examination of this decision to turn off the lights is needed.

“We know more fatal and serious accidents occur outside daylight hours.

“I have heard the argument that it will lead to less crime as criminals will be frightened of knocking over milk bottles. It is hard to take that seriously.

“I have had complaints from residents. The public need to speak out and KCC need to think again.”

Cllr David Brazier, KCC’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We carried out a consultation before implementing the switch off of streetlights and 75% of respondents backed our move.

“We continue to work closely with Kent Police to monitor road accidents and crime. We will review the lighting requirements if any increase can be attributed to the absence of street lighting.”

To support the move, visit www.kent.gov.uk and search for petitions.