PROPOSALS to switch off hundreds of the parish's street lights at night have been rubber-stamped by Dawlish Town Council.

Despite eight negative responses being received during the consultation period, Dawlish will now join several other towns across the county in being plunged into darkness between 12.30am and 5.30am.

The only areas that will remain lit during these hours are the A379, Brunswick Place, The Strand, Old Town Street, Park Road, High Street, Queen Street and Church Road, Cockwood.

Town councillor Andrew Turpin said: 'I believe this decision has been taken because, in western society, in terms of energy consumption, we are currently living beyond our means and we all have got to adjust our lifestyles.

'Of the 1,066 street lights in Dawlish, a large proportion will be turned off for five hours a night. 

'Perhaps this will be a first contribution to reducing our community's energy consumption and carbon footprint.'

He added: 'I do hope that if anyone experiences problems, when this scheme is introduced, they will notify Dawlish Town Council.'