Plans to switch off street lights in a Powys town in the middle of the night have been slammed by councillors, who fear it could encourage “yobbo” behaviour.

Powys County Council wrote to Welshpool Town Council last week, asking for its views on a proposal to turn off a number of lights in the middle of the night to save money.

But at a town council meeting held yesterday members voted against the idea amid fears it could lead to a rise in crime figures.

Councillor John Corfield said: “I understand we have to support the environment but we have a lot of people worried in the town about ‘yobbo’ behaviour and I think darkness is the friend of the villain.”

Councillor Estelle Bleivas said the town’s elderly residents were already scared to go out and the reduction in light would make it worse.

“I am completely against this proposal,” she said. “The elderly people of the town are frightened enough as it is to leave their homes in the evening.

“I would not even want a trial period, because I would feel dreadful if somebody was mugged or attacked in the darkness.”

The letter from the county authority reads: “To address concerns over global warming, the authority set up the street lighting energy working party to consider options for reducing energy consumption.

“The party identified part-night lighting could provide a suitable means of meeting this target.”

Councillor James Morgan said: “I think it is fair to say, while we do need to reduce electricity use, we should not compromise on safety.”

Town council clerk Robert Robinson said: “I will write back to the council saying we do not agree with the suggestion, but encourage them to look at solar panels and movement sensors.”