RESIDENTS of a Barry street are demanding action - claiming that their cul-de-sac has become a "crime hotspot" since having their lights switched off overnight.

Blackwell Close - one of the areas that has its lights switched off after midnight in a money saving measure by the Vale council - has had more than 20 night-time incidents reported to the police since May. These include instances of burglary and damage to cars.

The Vale council has since announced it will be spending £1.4m to replace every light in the Vale with dimmable LEDs over the next three years - meaning they will be able to stay on all night.

But residents of Blackwell Close say they can't wait that long.

Pregnant mum-of-two Gemma Kitely, 26, said: “We have had tyres slashed 23 times and rocks thrown at windscreens. A car has been keyed and a wing mirror completely cut off. "It’s pitch black here. We have called the council but they don’t want to know.”

Sarah Parsons, 36, said her shed and been burgled with children’s toys stolen.

“We pay council tax. It’s been happening since the lights have gone out and it has cost us money," she added. "It’s crazy.”

Rebecca Dunning, 24, said her partner Daniel Atmore, 26, reported his vehicle having a large quantity of paint thrown over it, while her car sustained a six-inch gash. Her living room window was also smashed by a rock.

Ms Dunning said: “Vandalism continues to happen at the expense of me and my neighbours. We can't afford to be out of pocket and live in fear."

Court ward councillor Richard Bertin is supporting residents and plans to hand in a petition on their behalf at the next full meeting of the Vale council.

Vale council operational manager for highways and engineering Mike Clogg said the police crime reduction and tactical advisor was “aware of this regrettable situation regarding high level of reported crime” and was “looking to obtaining a covert camera" for the area.

He said: “This is the most appropriate way forward at present time."

Cllr Peter King, cabinet member for building services, said: “There is currently no evidence that part-night street lighting has been a contributing factor to the incidents in Blackwell Close.”

He said the council would work with and co-operate with the police during their criminal damage investigation.

Deputy policing inspector for Barry, Bryn Glennie confirmed residents had endured noise nuisance and damage to their property and a recent PACT meeting made it a priority.

"We are working closely with the residents and local councillor Richard Bertin to ensure that we bring a permanent end to the problems being experienced by people living in the close,” he said.

Anyone with information should call South Wales Police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.