Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from County Councillor Cearns.

8.20pm

Councillor Cearns informed the Committee that partly in response to the sexual assaults that took place in November 2014, a petition had been signed by approximately 2000 people to look at whether additional lighting was required on green spaces.

As result of this petition Councillor Cearns had called a meeting of multi agencies, including the Police, representatives from Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council to look at what could be done on the subject of additional lighting.

It was agreed that Ward Councillors would look to identify areas that would benefit from additional lighting in conjunction with suggestions from members of the public. A second meeting would take place in late January, early February when a list of priorities would be assembled and funding sources investigated.

Ward Councillors should contact either Councillor Cearns or the Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places with their suggestions and by the next WCAC there would be a shortlist for information (ACTION).

Comments from members of the public.

John Lawton:

       i.        Questioned if there would be a wider consultation as there should be an opportunity to object to some of the proposals.

Comments from the Committee.

Councillor Reiner:

       i.        Stated that she hoped the discussion would take place at a public meeting such as the WCAC as there would wider representation to consider the matter further. 

Councillor Nethsingha:

    i.        Suggested a shortlist of suggested open spaces should be brought back to the next WCAC for debate. 

Councillor Bick:

       i.        Acknowledged that not everyone agreed that open spaces require extra lighting. Any changes that would take place should only be a direct result of full consultation.

Councillor Cearns confirmed that any suggested priorities would go out for wider consultation. It should come to the next WCAC Committee.

It was suggested         that when inviting the Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places to the next WCAC meeting to also advise that this item will be on the agenda for discussion (ACTION).