Thousands sign petition calling on street lights to be turned back on at night in Warwickshire

Thousands of people have backed a petition calling on Warwickshire County Council to turn the county’s street lights back on at night.

The call comes as many women across the country have been speaking out about safety fears on our streets.

The proposal has the backing of Ben Twomey, Labour’s candidate for Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Cllr Helen Adkins, leader of the Labour Group on Warwickshire County Council, who have both written to their opposite numbers, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, and leader of the County Council Cllr Izzi Seccombe.

The online petition was started last month by resident Chloe Fojtik - and now it has nearly 3,500 signatures.

As part of her petition, she said: "I’m starting this petition to ask Warwickshire county council to turn the streetlights back on overnight.

"After recent events of crimes against women having the streetlights off puts women (and men) in danger and makes a walk home at night into something terrifying and something women dread to do."

Click here to view the petition: https://www.change.org/p/warwickshire-county-council-turn-the-streetlights-back-on-at-night-in-warwickshireBen Twomey said: “Local people are demanding a review of street lighting in the county. So much more needs to be done to reduce the fear of crime in our communities, and tackle the daily occurrences of harassment, stalking and violence.”

Cllr Helen Adkins said: “The tragic death of Sarah Everard has led to a much-needed national conversation about the lack of street lighting at night. Chloe’s petition has focused that debate in Warwickshire.

“A street lighting review is vital to investigate what our local communities need and want. The county council has the ability to turn individual street lights back on and a full review would be an opportunity to consider the experiences of women, girls, shift workers and others, as well as consider the environmental impact and data on deterring crime.”

We have approached both Warwickshire County Council and Philip Seccombe for comment.