TORCHES will light the skies of Harwich in a double protest against County Hall's controversial midnight black-out across Essex.

Streets across Tendring were plunged into darkness in March when Essex County Council’s part night lighting scheme was introduced.

But following an arson attack in Dovercourt, where six cars went up in flames and firefighters were said to have struggled to find hydrants to extinguish the blazes, residents have organised two protests against the switch-off.

Furious campaigners are set to take to the streets with flaming torches marching down Main Road in Dovercourt on June 13.

Jenny Alderson, of Friends of Harwich who organised the march, said: “It is really important they turn the lights back on. My nan says it feels like being back in the war. She’s 88 years old and feels unsafe in her home."