Lights campaign launched over city park safety concerns

Campaigners have claimed Aberdeen residents feel too unsafe to venture into some of the city's parks during the hours of darkness.

Living Rent, the tenants and communities union, has launched a campaign urging Aberdeen City Council (ACC) to carry out improvements at Westburn Park.

It said people were being put off using the facilities there and has also highlighted issues at Seaton Park, where students from nearby Aberdeen University have long been warned not to venture at night.

The council said improvements were being carried out on the existing lighting in Westburn Park, but there were no current plans for further work at either location.

Living Rent said the main walkways, the skate park and the play park at Westburn Park should be illuminated.

It has launched a petition urging the city council to carry out the works.

Rebecca Armstrong, from the organisation, said: "Having experienced a violent assault in Aberdeen, I know first hand how terrifying unlit public areas can be for women.

"Proper lighting in Westburn Park isn't just about visibility.

"It provides crucial reassurance, deters opportunistic crime, and allows women to reclaim public spaces without fear."

The organisation is citing long-standing problems across the city at Seaton Park.

Situated between the University of Aberdeen's main campus and its main halls of residence, Hillhead Student Village, the park is a popular short-cut for many students.

There have been numerous reports of criminal activity there over many decades, including robberies, and violent and sexual assaults.

Signs erected at Hillhead warn students living there not to venture into the park at night.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: "The lighting up the main drive through Westburn Park is currently being improved.

"There are no current plans to add further lighting to Westburn Park or Seaton Park."