A CONTROVERSIAL part-night lighting scheme has been delayed after the decision was called-in.

Lights in Harwich and Manningtree were due to be turned off between midnight and 5am last Sunday as part of the Essex County Council scheme to save money.

The council announced it had been delayed until February 9 due to feedback from residents and councillors, which could lead to more lights being left on in the district.

However the decision has now been called in and a new date is yet to be confirmed, however it is expected to be in mid-February.

Rodney Bass, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “We are still in the process of rolling out the Part-Night Lighting Scheme across the county.

“We are giving due consideration to the consultation responses received from local residents and councillors in addition to the emergency services, regarding the areas which they believe meet the exemption criteria. I appreciate their time and response with this.

“I am working with fellow councillors throughout the Call-In process for the areas affected and I will listen carefully to their views prior to making a decision regarding the roll-out. “Revised dates for areas that are affected by the Call-In process will be published online when agreed.”