Leytonstone News

Campaign petition for more park lighting in winter collects hundreds of signatures

Campaigners are calling for Langthorne Park to be lit at least until 9pm during winter months to ensure young people can use the sports pitches and pavilion

A football tournament was held on the 25th of July to highlight the campaign. Credit: Polly Kersys-Hull

A petition calling for more lighting in Leytonstone’s Langthorne Park has managed to collect over 500 signatures, campaigners say.

Collective, local community groups and residents have been campaigning for better lighting in Langthorne Park in south Leytonstone for over 18 months.  On Tuesday 25th July, a football tournament was held by young people who attend the park’s youth club to raise awareness of the campaign and attract more petition signatures.

The ‘Light Up Langthorne’ campaign calls for current infrastructure that is in place to light up the car park, forecourt, entrance to the Pavilion and the sports pitches to be lit up until 9pm on winter nights.

Campaigners have appealed to the council to fix the issue especially since the Langthorne park pavilion is listed as one of the two youth services that are available to young people in Leytonstone. The lack of lighting during winter months means that the service is cut off after school hours when it is dark and has been highlighted as an issue by campaigners because it is during after school hours that youth violence is highest. 

According to Friends of Langthorne Park, the lack of lighting in winter months has turned young people away. They told the Echo: “Last winter the youth club diminished from 40 strong to just a handful of young people, whose parents were anxious about them accessing the club last winter.” The campaign group added that they “fear this could happen again”.

Jonathan, aged 10 said: “I started coming to Youth Club a few months ago. It’s a great space to hang out, meet new people and try different activities. I have loved the football tournament and enjoy the weekly cooking, games and play station. I hope I will still be able
to come in the winter when it gets dark”.

Mum Mekesha said: “I am really concerned for young people’s safety in the winter months. Better lighting in the park is essential for me as a parent to feel assured that I can send Jonathan and he feels safe in this environment”.


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