Following concerns raised by the police, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) have now agreed to leave 35 out of a total of approximately 180 streetlights on all night in the area of Osbaston.

As reported in the Beacon last week there have been 13 break-ins in the past few months and a police community safety meeting attracted a total of 117 residents who were extremely concerned at the level of criminal activity.

Councillor, Bob Hayward, was disappointed with the limited response committed to by MCC. He said: '"The police have responded to the concerns of the public rapidly and visibly.

"We now have regular foot patrols and police vehicles are touring the estate on a daily basis. I have received nothing but praise from residents at the way the police have reacted.

"However it took over two weeks for MCC to turn on any lights and now they have done it in a very limited manner.

"I toured the estate with an MCC officer to identify those lights which would give the most benefit but would have much preferred MCC to keep all the lights on until these criminals have been caught. I have written to the chief executive and the leader of the council Peter Fox and asked that all lights are kept on but have had no reply to date."

Head of Highways, Tony Wallen said: "35 residential streetlights have been temporarily switched back on between midnight and 5am in Osbaston after a request from police.  This follows a spate of burglaries in the neighbourhood.

"The lights were switched back on the night of Monday 24th November for a trial period of two weeks after which the situation will be reviewed.  The units are remotely operated and there is no cost incurred in switching back on other than energy used by the lights.  The police have significantly increased overnight patrols and will be keeping the council informed of developments.

The police (as lead blue light service for all the emergency services) have arrangements in place to request the council to switch lights back on during any emergency incident response, and this current situation is an extension of these arrangements.