Petition bid for safe walking routes
CAMPAIGNERS in Glasgow have launched a petition calling for safe walking routes through parks across the city.
# LightTheWay is set to hold its second annual event highlighting the lack of welllit walking routes across Glasgow.
The demo, supported by Clyde 1 and 2, will take place on December 1 from 5.30pm, with campaigners urging Glasgow City Council to implement measures, as promised in December last year.
Local councillor Jill Brown secured support for a motion in December last year which agreed the local authority would explore the “necessary infrastructure to provide sensitive lighting solutions in our parks”, however since then no progress has been made.
A petition which was launched on Friday, and is expected to attract substantial support from across Glasgow, is calling for change.
Natalie Crawford- Goodwin, campaigner and Clyde 1 employee, said: “Glasgow City Council has made a lot of noise about progress on this issue over the last 12 months, but unfortunately women and other minority and vulnerable groups are facing yet another winter of being excluded from outdoor spaces due to inadequate lighting, compounded this year by the cost- of- living crisis when I am sure more people will be trying to make use of active travel routes rather than relying on buses and taxis.
“Our message to Glasgow City Council is simple – stop kicking the can down the road on this. Take action and keep the people of Glasgow safe.”
The event will take place on December 1 from 5.30pm at the Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove Park. The petition can be found by visiting chng. it/ 8mSTKZ2dVQ.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are currently implementing the plan previously reported to our environment committee that proposed an evidence- led approach to lighting solutions in parks.
“Three parks were identified for inclusion in a pilot programme and engagement sessions with multiple community reps and other stakeholders have already been held for Cranhill Park and Queen’s Park with a Kelvingrove session have now been completed.
“A report on the engagement sessions will be put before councillors on our environment committee on November 22 and more detailed, technical work around specific measures for each park will also be undertaken.”