A teenager has started a petition to get the street lights switched back on in the area he lives.

Rian Leggett began the campaign after a rock was thrown through the rear passenger window of his mum Sharon’s car.

The gold Vauxhall Corsa was parked outside the family home in Beaconsfield Road, Sittingbourne.

It’s not known what time it happened as Mrs Leggett was only made aware of the incident after a neighbour knocked on the door at about 6.45am on August 29 to tell her the window had been smashed.

The 13-year-old Fulston Manor School pupil believes the culprit took advantage of the fact the street is plunged into darkness between the hours of midnight and 5.30am as part of a cash-saving drive by Kent County Council.

In all, 3,000 lights have been turned off across the county. After a year-long trial, they will be removed altogether. Another 70,000 are likely to be switched off after midnight, to save the taxpayer £1 million a year.

The youngster’s campaign calls upon KCC to provide more lighting during night hours to prevent crime such as “vandalism, trespassing, attacks and stalking” as well as trips and falls.

Dad Greg, 51, said: “It’s pitch black out there. My wife is semi-disabled and goes to work at 4.45am and she’s worried about falling over. She’s had hip replacements so she’s not steady on her feet at times.”

Rian said: “I started the petition because it is very dark during night hours so anyone walking may not be able to see and could hurt themselves or others.

“Street lights being turned off is good for saving money but more crime and accidents or damage will occur or be caused which can harm people emotionally or physically or cost them money.”

Meanwhile, another petition, called Right to Light, which also opposes the blackout, urges KCC to reinstate the street lights while further consultation, together with detailed risk assessments, are carried out.

Cllr David Brazier, KCC’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We carried out a consultation before implementing the switch-off of street lights and 75% of respondents backed our move to introduce part-night lighting.”

To support the move, visit www.kent.gov.uk and search for petitions.