MORE than 1,000 signatures calling for lights to be installed at an Oxford park are to go to the Prime Minister.

Campaigners have been fighting to get lights installed at the Croft Road Park, in Marston, for more than three years so children can play when the winter nights close in.

Campaigner Mick Haines, who lives in the street, claims the park is a no-go area when the sun goes down.

Since 2007 he has been busy collecting signatures to make Oxfordshire County Council install lights – and will take the 1,130 names to Downing Street.

Mr Haines, a retired scaffolder, said: “We’ve been on about these lights for years and every time the county council says ‘yes we’re considering it’.

“Well we need them now.”

The 69-year-old will also send Prime Minister David Cameron pictures of the park at night.

He said: “The pictures were taken at 5.45pm and are of me with a torch to my face to show just how dark it can get.”

The park includes a marked area for sports including roller hockey, basketball and football.

Mr Haines said: “They talk about getting children active and encouraging them to do more sports and keep fit and this is the perfect opportunity.

“Why is it taking so long?”

Mr Haines will head to Number 10 Downing Street with his petition on Thursday, September 23.

Council spokesman Owen Morton said: “All capital schemes are currently under review but this scheme is still being developed and includes lights in Croft Recreation Ground.”

He would not give a date for installation of the lights to be given the go-ahead.