Lighting in city’s popular parks
RUNNERS and dogs walkers have expressed safety concerns over the lack of lighting in two of Cardiff’s most popular parks.
Thousands of people have signed a petition for better lighting at Llandaff Fields and Pontcanna Fields, with some saying they refuse to go for a run or walk when it’s dark.
Elinor Toogood, who uses the park regularly, set up the petition after feeling scared while walking her dog in the evening when the area was pitch black.
The 24-year-old said: “Last week I went for a walk with my dog and we were coming back through Pontcanna and it was pitch black and it was only about 6.30pm.
“We had heard about the news of Sarah Everard and it was a situation that I could’ve put myself in that day and I’m definitely not the only one that has been affected by this.
“It’s not just my female friends but also my male friends who have complained about this. My friend would have to cycle through the park at 6am to get to town and it’s so dark.
“Me and my friends wouldn’t go there for a run in the night unless there were a few of us so we had some security.”
Elinor said the recent events surrounding Sarah Everard’s death strengthened her motivations. However, assaults on students around the Taff Trail a few years ago also prompted concerns. The petition has also received a large response and has currently received more than 2,500 signatures.
She added: “A few years ago there were a few assaults on Cardiff University students so it’s something that’s always been known. Students and commuters use the path and the safety structure isn’t there to support that.
“The petition had over 500 signatures in two days and it’s really growing. I’ve also had feedback from other university students that this is long overdue. Many dog walkers say they’re reluctant to walk through the park in the night.
“It’s not just runners, it’s dog walkers and cyclists that are also affected. There’s hardly any lighting to get through by Pontcanna and the Taylbont Halls. It’s even more worrying for people who aren’t from Cardiff.
“It’s not just an issue for females but it’s a wider issue and I hope to see local councils putting in more money to improve local parks.”
Sara Titley, 24, says she hasn’t been to Llandaff Fields for over a year due to her feeling scared while out on a run one night.
Sara, who lives in Cathays, said: “I use Bute Park quite regularly and use it for running and walking particularly during the pandemic because it’s so important to be outside.
“Around a year ago, I ran through Bute Park which is well lit, towards Llandaff Fields and my feelings changed. I went from a well-lit path and I felt safe, but when I was running to Llandaff I felt I had to run faster.
“I feared that I wasn’t as safe and I haven’t gone back since that run.
“The Sarah Everard situation shed a light on the importance to create areas where people feel safe.”
Cardiff council said the petition will be reviewed under the council’s constitution when it is received.
A spokesman said: “The council has been working for many years alongside the White Ribbon movement to try to help change behaviour and educate men about the very real issues women face every day.
“While Cardiff is a very safe city, and reports of serious criminal behaviour in our parks are not common, we take concerns about the safety of our parks seriously, and work with South Wales Police to address them.
“Once any petition is received it will be considered under the council’s constitution and a reply will be sent to the petitioner.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman, added: “Street lighting is an issue for individual local authorities. We welcome the commitment from the Home Office to increase the Safer Streets Fund. Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities will be able to use this to help people feel safer in their local areas.”
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