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The Council considered a petition containing
over 1,000 signatories received by the Council in respect of
Fairlands Valley Park Lighting.
 
The Lead Petitioner (Jennifer Huygen)
addressed the Council.  Jennifer began
by stating that the petition highlighted that there was a wide
community need for the installation of wildlife-friendly lighting
in Fairlands Valley Park (FVP).
 
Jennifer explained that paths in FVP were
pitch dark in the evenings.  Users were
unable to see the paths or the surrounding areas, and would be
unaware of anyone approaching them until they had passed each
other.  The edges of the paths were not
visible, which increased the possibility of users slipping and
sliding.  This was an unsafe situation
for such a high usage facility.  For
this reason, a number of potential users avoided the Park.
 
Jennifer advised that she was aware that FVP
was more than just a place to be physically active.  She gave the testimonies of a number of other
users of the Park who had provided her with reasons why they would
not venture into the Park after dark.
 
Jennifer commented that the studio space next
to Costello’s Café in the Park was used for dance
classes.  The parents of the children
using the facility told her that they did not feel comfortable
walking through the Park, and hence rather than walk of cycle they
travelled to and from by car.
 
Jennifer stated that the petition was
supported not just be individuals, but also by local community
organisations, including Cycling UK (Stevenage), Fairlands Valley
Spartans Running Club and Stevenage Striders Running
Club.  These organisations rarely used
FVP during the winter months. However, she had learnt that they
would consider using the Park more often in the winter if the
lighting was improved.
 
Jennifer then read out statements in support
of the petition from the Assistant Community Manager of Co-Space in
the Town Centre and from Cycling UK (Stevenage).
 
Jennifer referred to the motion in response to
the petition submitted by Councillor Simon Speller.  She stated that SBC prided itself on resident-led
design, which was a key pillar of its Corporate Plan,  The petition was in line with that ambition, as
increased usage of the Park would help the Council to achieve a
number of priorities, including a modal shift towards active travel
which in turn would help achieve Climate Change targets, as well as
improving the health and wellbeing of the community. It would also
help to address some of the parking issues around local schools,
with more children being encouraged to walk.
 
Jennifer confirmed that the petition requested
SBC to install lighting in a wildlife conscious way, and was not
asking for the whole Park to be fitted with street
lights.  Working with ecologists as part
of the installation would be expected, in order to minimise
disruption to wildlife.  Advancements in
lighting solutions should make this possible.
 
Jennifer concluded her presentation by
expressing the opinion that reflective lighting strips would not be
enough to meet the requests of the petition.  She asked the Council to consider a proposal that
a Business Plan for the installation of an appropriate lighting
solution for FVP should be prepared.
 
In response to the Petition, the following
motion was moved by Councillor Simon Speller and seconded by
Councillor Loraine Rossati:
 
“That this Council expresses its sincere thanks to
Jennifer Huygen for her endeavours in bringing this matter to the
attention of the Council.
The Council is committed to maintaining and enhancing our green
spaces for the enjoyment and use of the community.
This petition is particularly
timely, coinciding as it does with the start of our strategic
review of the green spaces within Stevenage, of which more details
can be found here:

http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/news-and-events/news/help-shape-the-provision-of-future-green-spaces
 
It
is therefore proposed that:
-         
This request be included for consideration as part
of the public consultation regarding the development of the new
Green Spaces Strategy;
 
-         
Officers be asked to identify budget costings for
the installation of reflective edging / markers for use on the
pathways;
 
-         
Officers be asked to seek the views of the Police
and the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust regarding community
safety and ecology considerations;
 
-         
Subject to the outcomes of the wider consultation
and strategic review of our green spaces, that this request be
considered for inclusion in the accompanying action plan;
and
 
-         
Officers be asked to identify any suitable external
funding opportunities that might support this request, in the
context of the extremely challenging financial position of this
Council and local government in general”.
 
A debate ensued. 
There was general all-party support for the motion as a balanced
and proportionate response to the petition.  The following points were made:
 
·        
the motion was timely because SBC had commenced a review of its
Green Spaces Strategy;
·        
consideration should be given to investigating the request in the
petition for the installation of wildlife friendly lighting in the
Park;
·        
the motion empathised with the petitioners, but was also conscious
of the wider picture and challenges, such as funding (FVP did not
feature in the current Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure
Plan).  Use of Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) funding, or even crowd funding, could be considered;
·        
the use of solar and wind powered energy to power any lighting
could be considered;
·        
the ongoing maintenance (including energy costs) of any installed
lighting must be taken into account; and
·        
clarification would be required on the ownership of the existing
lighting in and around FVP (ie. SBC or Hertfordshire County
Council).
 
Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, the motion was
carried.
Both Councillor Speller and the Mayor thanked Jennifer for
bringing the petition to the attention of the Council.