Regarding the recent front page of the Maldon Standard about the street lighting and the vandalism in King Street, may I say that it is good to see councillor Brenda Keighley supporting the residents.

In my opinion this is right, but I remember at the Maldon District Council meeting when the then chairman, Rodney Bass, who was then cabinet member of Essex County Council for transportation and highways, receive a round of applause from the Conservative group - councillor Keighley among them - when he announced street lighting in Maldon would be switched off between certain times.

Perhaps councillor Keighley could not see the problems that this would cause. I have occasion to travel often from my home in Maldon in the early hours of the morning - 2 or 3am, sometimes - and it is quite illuminating to see in the darkened streets people sometimes carrying pot plants or even garden ornaments and such like.

Also, on occasion, I have observed some vandalism to cars especially on Friday or Saturday nights. I hope the local police will take this on board.

In my job I leave home and arrive home at odd times, so do see a lot of things others may not.

My heart goes out to the residents of King Street but you are not alone - others in Maldon are experiencing problems also.

Terry Juffs
Open Episcopal Church bishop of East Anglia