Campaigners calling for Powys County Council to overturn its street lights switch-off have set up an online petition. Jonathan Greatorex, of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, says he has taken the fight to Downing Street.

Mr Greatorex said: “We are attempting to force the council to overturn its recent controversial decision to switch off up to 67 per cent of street lighting throughout the county, risking potentially higher crime and more road deaths.”

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“We are now urging residents across the county to sign a petition which has been launched on the Downing Street website.

“If we can get more than 200 signatures then our pledge could be looked at by the Prime Minister himself.”

He said the council’s decision should be challenged in the strongest terms possible.

“These are our street lights and it is our tax that pays for them,” he said. 

“To treat the lives and well-being of tax-paying citizens in such a cavalier manner is inexcusable and the council would do well to read the very clear research available and remember that they exist, as a council, to serve our needs.”

Lee Evans, council communication officer, said: “The council will be undertaking a full review once the process had been completed.”

Mr Greatorex urged people to sign the petition by logging on to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/lightuppowys

He is also urging people to display free stickers from www.lightuppowys.co.uk