TWO councils have agreed to pay for streetlights to stay on overnight in their respective districts reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Epping Forest District Council and Castle Point Borough Council will use their own funds to keep streetlights on overnight.

Initially, the agreement was only to happen in the parish of Buckhurst Hill in Epping.

The pro rata cost for 2025/26 payable by Epping Forest is estimated to be £2,316. The full-year contribution from 2026/27 is estimated at £4,430.

It is understood that Epping Forest proposes to pass on the costs to the relevant parish and town councils; however, Epping Forest District Council will be responsible for payment, in agreement with Essex County Council.

There would be an opportunity, at the start of each financial year, for Epping Forest District Council to add additional parishes to the agreement. The annual individual parish cost would be reviewed and produced in April by the Essex County Council.

Castle Point Borough Council has announced that overnight street lighting will be gradually reinstated across the borough, with all lights expected to be on by Friday, October 31.

The pro rata cost for 2025/26 payable by Castle Point Borough Council is estimated to be £15,366; the recurring full-year impact is estimated to be £30,185.

Councillor Stephen Mountford, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We made a clear promise in our manifesto to consult with our residents on the issue of overnight street lighting and we’re proud to be delivering on that pledge.

“The results of our consultation were unequivocal: residents want overnight lighting back.

“From this week, that promise becomes reality, helping ensure Castle Point remains a safe and welcoming community around the clock.”

During the consultation, a total of 3,887 residents submitted their views, with 83 per cent in favour of keeping the lights on overnight.

Part-night lighting was originally introduced by Essex County Council in 2014 to reduce costs and energy consumption.