A pensioner has slammed Essex County Council for ignoring broken streetlights meant to light retirement bungalows.

Paul Charlton, 70, of Wood Road, Heybridge has lived in his bungalow for four years.

Mr Charlton is registered disabled, suffers from emphysema and has had a stroke.

He said: “The lights are not only for the car park area but also cover the front doors as well.

“I think it’s atrocious, there are a lot of old people that live around here and it’s also a main bus route.

“It’s horrible, my daughter couldn’t believe it when she left from visiting me at 7pm and it was pitch black.

“It’s going to get even darker as well, when the clocks go back.”