Let there be light!

RESIDENTS in the east of Melksham are calling for new lighting to be installed in public green space areas, which they have described as ‘unsafe’ at night. 

Members of the Clackers Brook and Weavers Gate Residents’ Association say that paths and walkways in the Cranesbill Road play area, and in the green space surrounding Clackers Brook are unusable at night unless you have a torch to hand. They have also said that they consider these areas a risk for children and adults walking home in the dark. 

The residents have asked town councillor Louisa Lewis and Wiltshire councillor Mike Sankey to investigate the possibility of installing solar powered lighting in these areas. 

At a meeting of the residents’ association last week, cllr Lewis said, “It seems bizarre to me that there was no provision of street lighting in and around the paths, walkways, parks and the brook area when the development was built.  

“It is important that people feel safe and can see where they are going when walking around in the evening and I will investigate the installation of solar lighting around areas of the estate that need it.  

“I will be speaking to the councils involved in the near future about location of lighting and then speak to the residents’ association before submitting the motion, to check they are happy with proposed locations.” 

Cllr Sankey added, “I fully support the installation of lighting around both sides of the estates and will do all I can to help find the funding from the councils involved.”