The final phase of the controversial plans to turn off the district’s street lights overnight will begin this week.

St Albans Central, St Albans North and the Colneys will be the next to be affected by the cost cutting measures, which will see 80 per cent of streetlights turned off between midnight and 6am.

The final stage of the switch off is due to continue until the beginning of April.

Other areas of the district have already been plunged into darkness during the early hours, including Park Street, Chiswell Green and Bricket Wood.

Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for the switch off plans, claims that the scheme will reduce the district’s carbon footprint and save £1 million each year.

Areas with significant night time activity will have their lights kept on, as will parts of the district with high crime.

The switch off has faced some teething problems and large parts of south west Hertfordshire, including Radlett and Watford, were left without any lighting for two nights last week.

The county council is investigating what caused the blackout.