Campaigners looking to overturn a controversial part-time street lighting policy say the move has left many “feeling like prisoners in their own homes”.

The group, which is concerned the policy could lead to an increase in crime, raise people’s fear of crime and cause health and safety issues, is looking to widen its coverage across Hertfordshire.

About 30 people attended a public meeting last night to look at ways of putting pressure on the Hertfordshire County Council to overturn its decision.

A petition, called Turn Our Street Lights Back On, has already been started on the Hertfordshire County Council website and has gained 570 signatures.

Organiser Daniel Graham said: “This was a chance for us to find out the best way for us to move forward and what our main issues are.

“People feel like prisoners in their own homes and they feel as though there a curfew has been forced on them.

“Our aim now is to form a committee of members so we can speak as one voice, get more people to sign the petition and spread the word to the rest of Hertfordshire.”

Mr Graham gave a presentation on the key issues surrounding the scheme, which involves street lighting being turned off from midnight to 6am.

Suzanne Alford, of Hunters Close, Borehamwood said: “This meeting has been very important to get the message out there and hopefully we’ll be able to engage other people.

“I want to see the lights back on or at least some sort of compromise from the council and more communication with us.”

A Facebook group called Turn Our Street Lights Back On, also run by the campaign organisers, has gathered more than 1,400 members.

The group announced it will be meeting again in the coming weeks after a committee has been formed.