Some Worcestershire street lights to go off to save money

Some of Worcestershire's street lights will be turned off and dimmed in a trial designed to cut the county council's £2m bill by a quarter.

The authority said it was "difficult to say" how many of the 52,000 lights paid for by that money would be affected.

Chairman of Stoke Prior Neighbourhood Watch in Bromsgrove, George Verney, said it was "not safe for residents" if lights were turned off.

The council has proposed carrying out impact assessments.

'More burglaries'

Mr Verney added: "I understand why they're doing it [turning lights off], but I don't agree with it because it's going to make it unsafe for elderly people.

"If they turn the lights off, they're going to have vandals and more burglaries."

Asked about safety concerns, Councillor John Smith, who is responsible for the county's street lighting, said it was "a concern".

But he added: "Some people will say the [burglars] prefer the light so they can see where they're going.

"We will go through the exercise, look at all the options and consult with the residents before we make any final decisions."

Some lights will become "energy efficient" under the trial.