PLANS to introduce part-night street lighting in Tendring by Essex County Council have been delayed.

The initial proposal to switch off some of the district’s streetlights between midnight and 5am starting on January 1 was announced in September.

The scheme has now been put back with the new date currently unconfirmed.

Tendring Neighbourhood Watch chairman Mike Vaughan-Chatfield has welcomed the delay.

“I am delighted because it allows more opportunity for representation from the public,” he said.

“I think that LED lighting is a better solution and Essex County Council has said they are now aware of it.

“We would never have had lighting in the first place if it was not necessary.

“People have a right to feel safe wherever they go and I don’t think turning off the lights would help that.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “The part-night lighting maps for the Tendring District will not be going online today as details are currently being finalised.

“We would like to assure residents the maps are being worked on and will be placed online in early January prior to the implementation of part-night lighting.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this.”