Residents in Splott, Cardiff, have raised concerns about the safety of Splott Park, describing it as “scary” and “dangerous.” A petition has been initiated by locals urging for improved lighting in the park following an alleged serious sexual assault incident that occurred in the early hours of a Sunday in September. The petition, garnering over 800 signatures, is championed by Splott Albion Football Club in an effort to enhance safety for families frequenting the park.
The football club emphasized that the lack of adequate lighting in Splott Park poses a significant safety risk, particularly during the darker winter months. Concerns have been raised about the difficulties faced by park users, including children attending nearby schools, who often resort to using torches for navigation due to the park’s poor lighting conditions. Instances of crime and antisocial behaviour within the park have further fueled the demand for better illumination.
Individuals supporting the petition echoed the need for enhanced safety measures, with suggestions such as installing CCTV cameras to deter criminal activities. Tamsin Osborne highlighted the necessity for additional security measures, emphasizing the park’s current precarious environment. Rochelle Collins shared her experiences, expressing fear while walking her dogs in the park.
In response to the concerns raised, Cardiff Council acknowledged the recent incident at Splott Park and encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist the police investigation. While reported crime levels in the park are generally low, the council acknowledged the distress caused by serious incidents. Although lighting may not directly correlate with safety improvements, the council committed to considering the installation of appropriate lighting solutions to address community concerns.
The call for improved safety measures at Splott Park serves as a reminder of the importance of creating secure public spaces for residents and visitors. As discussions continue on potential enhancements to park security, residents hope for meaningful changes to address the current safety challenges faced in this Cardiff community park.