Increasing fear of anti-social behaviour due to a lack of street lighting in Watford road has left residents feeling vulnerable.

Hertfordshire County Council is currently working with its highway contractor Ringway to replace ageing streetlight columns in Chesham Way, but columns are being removed long before replacements are put in.

Residents of Chesham Way have raised their concerns with county Councillor Nigel Bell.

He said: "I am annoyed as the local county councillor that streetlights have been removed before any replacements have been put in, and this is especially worrying in a road like Chesham Way, in my division.

"Three lights have been removed, close together, leading to a garage area which has been plunged into darkness, and residents are noticing an increase in anti-social behaviour there. 

"Local mothers and the elderly have commented on feeling more vulnerable in that area and have asked Highways officers to prioritise replacement streetlights for Chesham Way."

Terry Douris, cabinet member for highways, said: "We appreciate that there will be some inconvenience while this is being carried out, but ensuring the safety of pedestrians and road users is our number one priority. I'm grateful to the public for their patience while we complete this essential work."

The replacement programme began in September and a date is yet to be given for the replacements.