New lighting at Victoria Park skate park in move to improve safety
There's brighter nights at Victoria Park following request from young people
There's an installation of new lights at Victoria Park skate park in Leamington Spa, thanks to calls from a group of young people for better safety provision.
The project is being supported by local youth workers from the youth service at the County Council - with those who use the park saying it makes it better for everyone who uses it.
Through months of collaboration and ongoing youth engagement, the case for improved lighting was made clear.
Warwick District Council successfully secured funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (now called Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) to install lighting throughout the circular path around the park, and importantly, for the skate park itself.
The local authority say the new lights were installed last month, and the response from young people has been overwhelmingly positive.
A 'fantastic example of what can be achieved when we listen to young people'
Cllr Mike Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, said: "This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we listen to young people and take their concerns seriously.
"As a child friendly county we are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people to play, socialise and thrive.
"The young people who use Victoria Park have shown great maturity and community spirit, and I’m delighted their voices have helped make this park safer for everyone."
'Young people are using their voice to champion safe, accessible spaces'
Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities at Warwick District Council, added: “The District Council is pleased to have supported the installation of the lights at Victoria Park, enhancing feelings of safety for those using the skate park in the evenings.
"It’s great to see our young people using their voice to champion for safe, accessible spaces.”
'Brilliant'
One of the young people said: " We want to thank everyone for helping us, we really didn't think it would happen as we know we may have a negative stereotype by some, but having the lights is brilliant."