New lighting to improve park safety?

A LIGHTING survey of King George V Playing Field is to be carried out by Melksham Town Council.

The survey of what lighting is available in the park in the evening has been proposed by the council in response to concerns from residents about safety in the park.

The issue was described as a “genuine concern” at a recent meeting of the town council’s King George V committee. It was also highlighted that improved lighting could increase use of the park in the evening, encouraging more dog walkers, runners, and cyclists to visit the area.

“When you talk to members of the community the issue is brought up consistently,” said cllr Hayley Illman.  “We dog walk two to three times a day, and the people we run into that also have dogs will avoid the park on evening walks because it is not safe, because they can’t see where their dog is.”

In support of the lighting survey, cllr Kathy Iles voiced her concerns about safety in the park, sharing her experience of falling off her bike due to poor lighting in the park.

The council will also explore options for lighting in the park.

“You cannot put a price on the safety of our residents,” said cllr Illman.