Light The Way: How are Edinburgh and Castlemilk doing it?
Edinburgh City Council and community councillors in Castlemilk have secured the funding to put lights in parks for night time.
Last updated 21st Sep 2023
A Glasgow councillor says he was inspired to make lighting a priority in Castlemilk Park after hearing about the Light The Way campaign.
Paul McCabe from the SNP has helped to pull together around £140,000 in funding to replace old lights which have been switched off for over a decade with modern LED alternatives.
He told Forth 1: "Many people in the community rely on this place for getting to and from a local children's club as well as walking to and from bus stops.
"Not only is it dark, but there are issues under your feet.
"In the autumn and winter months when the river overflows, it floods on to the pathway and the water freezes over which is a big hazard.
"There has also been a murder here in the past and terrible anti-social behaviour."
READ MORE: Light The Way: Warning women will plan longer route home to avoid Glasgow parks
Councillor McCabe claims he lobbied officers in the environment committee to make sure Glasgow City Council would be responsible for maintaining the new lights.
He added: "There has to be ongoing maintenance money because lights do not last forever and someone needs to look after them."
Earlier this year, Edinburgh City Council announced £500,000 from their budget would go towards upgrading and improving lights in parks.
READ MORE: Light The Way: Environmental expert warns against flood lights in Glasgow's parks
Boss Cammy Day is supporting the Light The Way campaign and is telling Forth 1 Hailes Quarry Park should have them up and running by early next year.
He said: "It is a substantial cost for us because each column is between £2000-£3000, but we acknowledge that usage of our parks continues to grow and we need to make them safer.
"We will also be trying to make sure that new lighting can be powered by as many renewable sources as possible as an alternative to relying on the grid.
"I hope this is a leading example to other local authorities across Scotland and hopefully they follow us in making parks safer and brighter for all."