A challenge has been launched to the controversial decision to switch off street lights overnight, amid claims the public’s safety is being compromised.

Essex County Council in January implemented the switch off between 1am and 6am to save money and improve the environment.

There was strong opposition to the move in Epping Forest, with critics claiming it left commuters vulnerable in dark streets.

Now Loughton town and district councillor, Stephen Murray, has tabled a motion to be considered by Epping Forest District Council calling for lights to be switched back on at 5am during dark winter mornings.

It is hoped the motion, if passed, will put pressure on the county council to change its policy.

He said: "In these dark winter months hundreds of workers are catching the early buses and tubes.

"There are a considerable amount of trains before 6am."

Five trains leave Epping station before the lights are turned back on - and four from Loughton.

"Most of the financial and environmental advantages of the County's policy will still be implemented from a 1am to 5am switch off, but far fewer people will be affected,” Cllr Murray added.

If accepted, the motion will be considered at a district council meeting on Tuesday.

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday