A petition is calling on Cardiff Council to prioritise better lighting in two of the city’s parks to increase safety and women’s in particular.
Thousands of people are signing a petition calling on Cardiff Council to maximise lighting in two of Cardiff’s most popular green spaces.
The petition, organised by 24-year-old Elinor Toogood, has been signed by over 2,500 people already and aims to raise awareness of park users’ safety in Pontcanna and Llandaf Fields. Both parks are highly popular and are home to the Taff Trail which runs through them and is one of the most popular commuter routes for cyclists and university students.
“Unfortunately, we are in a time now where it is not just if an incident will happen, it is a matter of when,” Elinor said.
“I’d hope with more lighting and even safety cameras, people would feel looked after and at least have some traceability if something did go wrong and be empowered to talk.”
Over the last 12 months, violence and sexual assault were the second most reported crimes in this area, closely following anti-social behaviour. Women’s safety in particular has become a more prominent issue over the past few weeks, following the kidnapping and death of Sarah Everard while she was walking alone through Clapham Common in south London.
Elinor said: “The disappearance of Sarah Everard was definitely a triggering factor for this campaign, but it is not a new issue.”
Following Lambeth Council’s decision to increase solar-powered lighting throughout Clapham Common days after the death of Sarah Everard, Elinor is calling on Cardiff Council to act responsibly.
She said: “There have been several pockets of incidents over the years on these paths and the council have just responded by reducing the lighting even further.”
Pontcanna and Llandaff Fields are currently completely unlit in the evenings, due to Cardiff Council’s decision to reduce lighting to save money.
The current absence of lighting forces women, commuters and those staying in the university halls of residence adjacent to the parks, to make a decision to risk going out in a dark environment where they may be in danger, according to Elinor.
Elinor also stressed that during the winter months, anyone walking through the parks can face compromised safety as it can get dark as early as 4 p.m.
“As a young woman, I won’t walk on my own in the dark out of fear and I have had the same response right across the generations,” she said.
However, Elinor is pleased with the popularity and attention the petition is gaining. She said: “We are now at over 2,500 signatures from a great demographic of society. I’m glad we can pull together to really put the safety of our local people at the highest point of our agenda.”
If you often find yourself feeling unsafe while walking alone, here are some of the best safety apps for every budget that can help you feel more protected:
