#LightTheWay: Glasgow's Lord Provost backs call to light up parks
Last updated 8th Dec 2021
The Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council is the latest high-profile backer of Clyde 1's #LightTheWay campaign.
Philip Braat is speaking to us two days before our demonstration in Kelvingrove Park, urging the local authority to install more lighting along main routes.
He said: "I will be out at Kelvingrove, and I urge everyone who cares deeply about this cause to come out and show your support.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe when they go about their day-to-day business, and at this time of year, when it gets dark sooner, we want to make sure that everyone feels safe when they go about their business."
The local authority previously said it wouldn't be possible to light up parks, because of environmental concerns.
Striking a balance
But Mr Braat continued: "Plans and reports have shown that we can have that balance struck, so that we can make sure our biodiversity and wildlife is secured, but also that the parks are light and safe for people going about their business.
"We want to make sure that everyone, particularly women and girls, feel safe, therefore I am extremely supportive of Clyde 1's #LightTheWay campaign."
READ MORE: #LightTheWay: Scottish Green leader Patrick Harvie backs campaign to light up Glasgow's parks
READ MORE: #LightTheWay: Pressure mounts as running group joins campaign
Responding to the campaign, a spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “Ensuring personal safety in public spaces is an absolute priority for the council.
“We want people to feel secure and safe when moving around the city and we are aware this can be a particular issue for women, LGBTQ+ communities and those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.
“Our draft active travel strategy also has a clear focus on providing safe routes throughout the city for walking, wheeling and cycling at all times of the day, all year round.
“We also have a responsibility to protect and promote the city’s biodiversity and ensure that our open spaces provide suitable habitats for wildlife. It is crucial that we fully understand the potential for unintended consequences by changing lighting patterns in these natural spaces.
“But we are fully aware of the concerns being expressed on safety in parks at night. Lighting up parks is undoubtedly technically possible and we are actively looking at the experience of other places as well as relevant academic research.
“This is a complex issue with a number of competing priorities and careful consideration of possible measures must be undertaken to understand properly the potential impact on the city’s flora and fauna, but also whether any changes will create a safer environment for people to use.”
Join us!
The #LightTheWay demonstration takes place at 6pm on Friday the 10th of December at the Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove Park.
You can find out everything you need to know about the event here.