A local woman is petitioning Birmingham City Council to improve safety measures in a local park after a number of recent crimes, culminating with a sexual asssault on a young woman on Wednesday (31st March).
A 31-year-old man remains in West Midlands Police custody in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an 18 year old woman who was walking through Selly Oak Park at around 6.15am on her way to work.
Local resident Kristina Richards-McDonnell uses the park with her family and also walks through the park on Gibbins Road on her way to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, where she works as a nursing sister.
Over recent years, she and other residents have often discussed the need for better lighting in the park but no action has ever been taken.
However, she said she felt compelled to start a petition for better lighting and CCTV coverage because of crimes in recent weeks.
Kristina said: “There have been several thefts in recent weeks, bikes, handbags and mobile phones — some of which has resulted in violence.
“When I heard about the 18 year old girl that was walking to work, the same route I take and she was […] sexually assaulted, I had to act. I can’t keep saying the park needs lighting and do nothing about it. I want a park that’s safe for all.
“Several people have told me over the years they don’t feel safe to walk through it when it’s dark. [I] start work at 7am and finish at 7.30pm so especially in the winter it’s always dark.”
Click to view and sign the petition on change.org
On the petition, Kristona writes: “There are several paths through the park with only one of them being lit, there is only one CCTV camera at one end of the park.
“I am asking that Birmingham city council put our safety above cost, I’m asking that they install lights on all paths and several CCTV cameras. I know it might not stop the thieves and perpetrators of other offences but it might deter them and it will definitely help in catching them and getting them prosecuted.
“Im just a worried mom asking for protection. The park is used by many and is very well looked after by the grounds people but they can’t be everywhere.”
Kristina said she would be happy to fundraise towards improved safety measures if she could get the support of the council.
Cllr Julie Johnson (Lab, Weoley & Selly Oak) said she fully supported the petition. She said: “I will be presenting this to full council and following this through re what we can do make the park safer; looking at all options and working also with the Police.”
Click to view and sign the petition on change.org
Cover photo © Stephen McKay (cc-by-sa/2.0)