The family of an Uxbridge man who died after being hit by a car in Essex are campaigning for the county's street lights to be switched back on at night.

The lights were out in St Andrew's Avenue, in Colchester, when 25-year-old Nick Sherwood, was in collision with an Audi A4 at around 3.45am on February 8.

His mother, Heidi, said: “We are absolutely devastated and broken-hearted at having lost our lovely, fun-loving son.

“He was such a beautiful person both inside and out. He had everything to live for and was loved by everyone he met.

“How cruel a blow is this?

“Please help to stop another family from suffering in this way. You simply must put the street lights back on.

“What is more important, a few pounds or people's lives?”

Since December 2013, almost all of Essex County Council's street lights have been turned off every day, between midnight and 5am, in a bid to save more than £1m a year and reduce carbon emissions.

Credit: Colchester Gazette

A spokesman for the council said: “Other than to offer our sympathies to the family of the victim, it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further on this incident until we have reviewed the police report.”

Mr Sherwood, who worked as an electrician for Balfour Beatty and supported Wycombe Wanderers FC, had been out in Colchester for a meal and drinks before getting lost on his way back to Wivenhoe.

Paramedics attended the collision site following the incident but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Floral tributes have been left at the roadside, along with a moving letter written by Mr Sherwood's partner.

Mr Sherwood's family want residents to sign a petition, calling for the street lights to be kept on at night.