Warwick and Leamington MP, James Plaskitt, today welcomed two recent successes in securing improved streetlighting in Leamington.

Following representations from a local residents group Mr Plaskitt contacted Warwickshire County Council who have agreed to install three additional streetlighting columns in Gordon Passage, which links Russell Terrace and Satchwell Place. Work will commence this week.

Also this week Mr Plaskitt was pleased to learn that streetlighting would be installed along the footpath connecting Prospect Road with Redland Recreation Ground. This follows concerns raised in November 1997 by the local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator that the footpath was unsafe and being used by glue sniffers and for the sale of drugs. At the time the County recognised the need but funds were unavailable. Now the money is there and this work should be completed by the end of March.

These actions follow a successful plea prior to Christmas for improved lighting in Cromer Road, Lillington. Mr Plaskitt fed through the concerns of a constituent in her nineties and the County Council installed brighter bulbs in the existing columns.

Mr Plaskitt said

"Community and Personal Safety are key elements of the Government’s Crime and Disorder Act. Improved streetlighting helps restore people’s confidence to go out at night and it also helps to deter crime. I am pleased that my representations in these areas have been successful and I am sure that these improvements will help to improve the quality of life of local residents.

"Over the next few weeks I am meeting with a number of Agencies involved in the fight against crime. I have already met with the new Chief Constable last week and will be discussing crime issues with both Victim Support and local Neighbourhood Watch organisers shortly."