City’s parks could get more lighting, CCTV and be locked at night says Council report
AFTER a spate of violence and vandalism in Bute Park last year, proposals including lighting, cameras and locking more parks have been discussed by Cardiff Council.
A report on Community Engagement and Safety in Parks was put to the Council’s Cabinet and included ideas from locking parks at night, to installing more CCTV and lighting to make Cardiff’s parks safer, especially at night and in winter.
“Cardiff’s parks have always been safe places where people can go to enjoy the outdoors and it’s important they remain so,” said Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure.
He added: “This report helps us fully understand the potential impact that lighting, CCTV and a return to locking certain parks at night might have on our parks and on the people who use them.”
But some residents have expressed opinions that the measures do not go far enough.
Rob Taylor, of Roath, said: “All they want to do is upgrade lighting and install CCTV, but this is not enough. They should spend our tax money on officers who can patrol parks at night.”
Currently, only 6.7% of Cardiff’s green spaces are lit. The report highlighted that lightning will be implemented ‘where appropriate’ but determining factors include ‘level of use’, and main commuter routes will be prioritised.
Coun Chris Lay expressed his concern about where lighting will be introduced.
He said: “Lighting will help counter anti-social behaviour. Bute Park and Roath Park are focused on, but what about the smaller community parks which are very well used?”
After the tragic murders of Sarah Everard last year and Ashling Murphy last week, the issue of women’s safety in parks was also a concern raised by councillors and residents.
Eve Barry, of Roath, said: “I absolutely do not feel safe in the parks. I think lights and CCTV are a good idea, but I would like to see more police or a patrol. I think that would put me at ease.”
At the meeting, Coun Rhys Taylor said: “Women’s safety is a growing problem, and I am glad that it is finally being brought to light through policy and strategy.”
Coun Bradbury said: “After incidents in Bute Park I am increasingly concerned about park safety. We need these improvements so that women in particular can go for a jog or run without fear.
“No one should feel unsafe at any time in our parks and that is something I hope we can address.”
Last year was the first time in 25 years that there was an increase in the budget for parks above inflation, and the park ranger service was expanded. The 2022/23 budget will be released next month.
At the meeting, Coun Adrian Robson said: “I felt this report did not progress things very much and did not respond to the motions in the way I had hoped it might. I would have hoped to see more with the budget so soon.”
To have your say on the council’s budget plans you can complete the survey here by Sunday, February 6.
