12% of South West women feel 'unsafe' in local parks at night
It comes as a survey into safety in Salisbury continues
12% of women and girls in the South West say they wouldn't use local parks at night, as they fear for their safety.
A study by Keep Britain Tidy is prompting calls for better measures in open spaces so females can go into spaces more confident.
The organisation says there are more than 27,000 parks and green spaces across the country - with the results of their study meaning females are less likely to use them and feel the benefits.
The charity’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said:
"We know that if women and girls feel unsafe, they are less likely to use, enjoy and benefit from our vital green spaces - and that will no doubt have knock on effects on health and wellbeing.
"As the operator of the Green Flag Award for high-quality parks, we believe parks and play spaces should be designed and managed in a way that makes them welcoming to women and girls. If our parks are safe for women and girls, they are safe for everyone.
"Good design and good management is key to creating green spaces that are inclusive, accessible and safe for everyone in the community and we would urge everyone with a role to play in managing and supporting our parks to follow our new guidance."
Salisbury survey on night-time safety ongoing
It comes as a Salisbury wide survey about how safe we feel in the city continues.
Women's group Salisbury Soroptimists has set it up, and Liz Batten from there says they're working hard to make improvements:
"We've been looking for not just street lights that are out, but dark corners of the city because being a medieval city, we've got lots of dark alleyways and slightly scary corners of the city, so we just wanted to see what else could be done to make the street safer at night."
Liz Batten says they're keen for as many views as possible:
"It is aimed at people who live in Salisbury, but if you work in the city and live outside, or visit for shopping or just as a tourist, we're still pleased to hear from you. It's all completely anonymous, so please feel free to give your honest opinion."