The pilot scheme would see certain street lights in the town turned off between midnight and 5.30am as part of cost-cutting measures.

But Constable Paul Crump, local police officer for Ellesmere, raised concerns that switching off lights would increase crime and said police try and encourage homeowners to use more lighting.

He said: “Turning off lights is one of the worst things we could do, even after midnight.

“We would have problems with pedestrians and people in dark clothing.”

Constable Crump added: “If we look at statistics most night time crime happens between 2am and 4am.

“I appreciate the restrictions on finances, but I wouldn’t support it.”

At last night’s meeting councillors raised concerns that Shropshire Council would push ahead with the trial even if it didn’t have the backing of the town council.

Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, suggested writing to Shropshire Council saying they would no longer support the scheme after hearing the concerns raised by Constable Crump.

Main town centre streets and those monitored by CCTV were not going to be considered for the pilot scheme, which is part of a drive by Shropshire Council to save £240,000 a year and if it was successful it could have been rolled out to other towns.

It would incorporate 280 lights owned by Shropshire Council and Ellesmere Town Council.

Options considered include what kind of light fittings to use and the investment and payback opportunities offered by each type.

Nobody from Shropshire Council was available to comment on the future of the scheme.

By James Pugh