The councillors were reacting to Powys County Council plans to switch off two out of three streetlights in 'non-core' areas of Montgomeryshire.

The plan has already been implemented in Radnorshire and has met with strong criticism from members of the public and local councillors – with some claiming it will lead to an increase in crime.

Newtown Mayor Sue Lawson said: "I think it's a bad idea, there are other ways of cutting the cost of lighting. I think people will be more scared to walk the streets as a result of this, especially elderly people. Streetlights are not that brilliant on some of the estates anyway and it may push certain gangs to darker areas."

Rob Lloyd said he is concerned about a lack of public awareness about the plan: "I do not think people understand that this is going to happen."

Councillor Russell George told the council he was awaiting a report from the police on crime hot spots in the town so they can prevent lights in those areas being switched off.

He said: "I have asked the police to do a report of where the crime hot-spots are in Newtown as I understand lights in these areas will not be turned off. Once I have the report we will be able to show where these are and make representations to the council."

Newtown Town Council clerk Steve Geary also revealed he is investigating the council's power to turn the lights off.

He said: "I have sent a query off to see if the county council has a duty to provide this, because if they do they cannot just switch them off."

However Cllr Richard White said that the council did have the power to go through with the proposal and confirmed the earliest start date for the switch-off in Montgomeryshire could be October 29.

Councillors also urged members of the public to report any street lights not working currently to the council.

Cllr George said: "It is worth saying that if you do see a streetlight off then report it. People think that they have already been switched off. Otherwise we could get into a situation where you have six lights in a row not working."

Anyone who wishes to report a streetlight which is not working should contact Powys County Council's helpdesk on 0845 6076060 with the light's reference number which can be found on the column.