HUNDREDS of residents are backing a campaign for lights to be installed in part of South Park after an alleged sex assault there.

Oxford Brookes University student Peter Hulley, 26, launched an online petition to illuminate a “dangerous” path at the top of the park after hearing reports that a woman was attacked there in September.

More than 570 people have so far signed the petition supporting his campaign, but Oxford City Council has said it cannot fund the initiative.

Mr Hulley, who lives in Southfield Road, said the path running across the top end of South Park is the main route used by students travelling from housing near Southfield Road and Cowley Road to Oxford Brookes University’s Headington campus.

The international relations and politics student said students leaving the university’s library late at night often use the route to get home quickly, sometimes having to use their phones to light the way through the dark area.

Mr Hulley said supporters of his petition would feel “let down” by the council’s plans not to fund the lights.

He added: “It’s a route which is used by students and therefore it should be a high priority to keep it safe. It’s frustrating that nothing has been done yet.

“It’s too dark to even see your feet.

“If I’m walking on my own, there is a sense of apprehension that comes over me when I’m walking through there. I’m probably not a prime target so I cannot imagine what it’s like for a girl walking through there.

“The path is treacherous at night. Many students now avoid the park, even though the alternative route is much longer.”

He said the longer route along Cheney Lane means students have to walk in the road when the unpaved footpath gets muddy.

The council’s director of community services Tim Sadler said: “Unfortunately, the council has no budget for lighting in parks, because they are only intended for day-time use. The additional cost of lighting the footpath would be prohibitive in the light of the Government’s cuts to council funding.

“The Oxford Preservation Trust also has covenants on the land that restrict us from installing lighting.

“Most importantly, there is a well-lit and safer alternative via Warneford Lane and Cheney Lane and members of the public are encouraged to use this after dark.

Anna Eden said: “A group of us walk to our singing group this way and the darkness is off-putting. When it is too dark, we drive which is not nearly as friendly, healthy or environmental.”

Jeremy Johns posted: “I am absolutely opposed to lighting the path. It would involve unnecessary expenditure of limited resources, including energy, and greatly increase light pollution in one of the very few relatively dark areas of East Oxford.”

Catalin Horhota, 42, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court for trial on August 3 after pleading not guilty to rape, two counts of attempted rape, a serious sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault, one count of exposure, and burglary.