STREETLIGHT campaigners are staging a Bonfire Night protest against the big switch-off.

We Want Our Lights Back On campaigners in Clacton are urging people to tie yellow ribbons around lampposts on November 5.

Yellow ribbons have been used around the world as a symbol of solidarity.

Campaigner Maureen Smith, of Clacton, says safety charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is also backing the protest.

“We want the return of our lights, so we are asking people to tie a yellow ribbon around their lamppost in support,” she said.

“We want ribbons on as many lampposts as possible, then people will be able to see the amount of concern."

More than 9,000 people have signed a petition, which will be handed to County Hall bosses on December 9.

Essex County Council decided to switch off two thirds of Tendring's streetlights from midnight to 5am earlier this year in a bid to save cash.

For the full story see this week's Clacton Gazette.