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Following recent events in Loughborough, the issue of personal safety has suddenly become a more prominent issue in people's minds.

At the start of the 2006- 2007 academic session, the Leicester University Students' Union prioritised the Victoria Park Safety Campaign as a 'key' campaign for the year.

This move was welcomed by many students who find an after dark journey across the park a nerve racking and dangerous experience.

Many people are forced to brave the unlit Victoria Park footpaths due to the complete absence of late night buses, or being unable to pay for expensive late night taxis.

Dark and dangerous

The campaign has had some impact. Leicester City Council agreed to spend 拢20,000 on improving the lighting around the Car Park and enhancing some of the lights along Coach Drive next to De Montfort Hall.

Strolling safely in the day

But the Vice President Welfare for Leicester Students' Union, Julia Coats, was less than impressed with the council's proposals.

She believes that the measures were nothing more than a token gesture, and points out that large areas of Victoria Park are still completely unlit.听

Victoria Park's children's play area is usually full of excited children and parents throughout the day, but the area resembles a black hole at night.

The dark alcoves that surround the nearby pond are ideal hiding places for muggers and rapists.

Lights and Action!

Julia's campaign continues with commendable and utterly focused energy.

A petition will be presented to the council chamber in May.

The park begins to grow darker.

A lighting survey is currently being undertaken regarding how many people currently use the park after dark, the key routes people use through the park after dark and whether people think additional lighting is necessary.

Julia is determined to improve the safety for students as well as the general public on Victoria Park after dark.

The central positioning of the park means that it is an understandable short cut for late night walkers who will not detour around the surrounding roads.

The Leicester University Students' Union hopes that Leicester City Council fully delivers on a remit to make these city spaces as safe as possible at night time.