Oakwood Park’s Northern Pathway serves as a vital route for residents enjoying a stroll through our natural and recreational space, as well as crossing from Gatcombe Close to local amenities including Chaddesden Wood, Parkview Primary School and Oakwood Community Centre.

The removal of lighting from this pathway, as well as from several parks across Derby City, including Osmaston Park and others, has raised serious safety concerns among those who visit these parks, especially during early morning and evening hours when natural light is low.

Adequate lighting is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of pathway users. Without it, visibility is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of accidents and incidents that could be easily prevented through illumination. For many, the northern Oakwood Park pathway is a regular commute, including for those catching the now re-routed Number 26 bus, and it is essential that the community feels safe whilst enjoying our public spaces. Many other parks across Derby are also commuting routes for local residents.

Properly illuminated pathways are instrumental in deterring crime, making our parks safer for everyone. The present lighting across Oakwood Park has been deemed successful, and there is no legitimate reason for it not to be present on the northern pathway too. Oakwood Park, and all of our city's parks, must be accessible to all, regardless of the time of day.

Those signing Councillor Matt and Councillor Freya’s petition urge Derby City Council to take immediate action to reinstall lighting on the northern pathway in Oakwood Park, and the other parks lighting was removed from.

This follows the unanimously passed recommendations from Derby City Council's Communities, Housing and Public Protection Scrutiny Review Board, to this effect.

This action at Oakwood Park must replicate the lighting already present across Oakwood Park, to ensure continuity. This should be the same for all parks. This is not only about restoring infrastructure but about reinforcing the city's commitment to maintaining safe, accessible environments for residents.

Please sign this petition to encourage Derby City Council to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone who enjoys Oakwood Park, and all our parks where lighting was removed. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our parks remain welcoming and safe spaces for all.