At a recent street briefing involving the police and council, several residents identified the streets as poorly lit by existing streetlights.
Residents said they felt unsafe at night when walking due to the risk of violence potentially by individuals abusing substances and that there was a high amount of anti-social behaviour; there was a separate issue around persistent car theft on Press Road.
There are 21 streetlights in the area, covering 690m of streets. Each streetlight covers 33m of street, although streetlights should normally only cover three times their height. Most of the streetlights are only several metres tall. Several trees or severely overgrown gardens are making the poor lighting worse. Of particular note by residents for its high amount of antisocial behaviour was Bennett's Yard, which is only covered by three smaller streetlights (approximately 3m) despite being Bennett's Yard approximately 50m long.
The hope is additional or upgraded streetlights will improve visibility when walking and allow the CCTV many residents have purchased at their own expense to pick up anti-social behaviour or burglaries/ car theft, which can be reported to the police.
On reaching 20 signatures it will be formally considered by the Council and relevant Cabinet Member. Local ward Councillors will also be made aware of the petition. The Council's Democratic Services Team will keep the lead petitioner updated on progress.
This ePetition runs from 01/11/2024 to 01/12/2024.
39 people have signed this ePetition.