LIGHTS illuminating a Cowley park have been hailed a success by residents wanting to feel safer during dark nights.

A set of five-metre lights and a lantern trail were installed along the pathway in the park behind Templars Shopping Park in December to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Plans for a new lighting system came after councillors became concerned about the safety of families living near the park.

The park is behind Templars Shopping Park’s TK Maxx and Matalan stores and backs onto St Omer Road, Cleveland Road, Havelock Road and Maidcroft Road.

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Councillors had received complaints from residents about abusive language and late-night drinking in the park.

Shaukat Ali, 55, who has lived in Maidcroft Road for 15 years, said: “I live two minutes from the park.

“I think the lights have been great for us all. Our neighbours, friends and family use the park daily and walk through it in these dull dark days.

“It is also great for the safety of the community.

“This is something that has been needed in the many years I have lived here.”

City councillor for Cowley David Henwood said: “We have had very positive feedback from residents.

“They are delighted at last that they can walk through the park safely in the darker evenings. That has made a difference to their wellbeing.

“It feels like things are getting done in the area.

“Everybody feels a sense of achievement, not just councillors but the community.”

The project was funded by former Cowley city councillor Shah Khan, who donated £1,875 from his councillor ward budget, with remaining cash coming from the city council’s community safety team.

Mr Henwood continued: “We need to keep working towards reducing antisocial behaviour. It does seem to be an area that has been neglected.

“Although it’s a small park, it’s a vital link to the other half of Cowley so it does need attention.”

Mr Henwood said he now hoped to cut back the park’s thick hedging, which he feared could provide a hiding place for attackers.

He said he had also received complaints from residents about branches of tall poplar trees, which had fallen into gardens.

Mr Henwood added: “They are now very tall and we should be looking to these as a health and safety issue.”


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