New Finsbury Park lights get sparkling reception

6.06.00pm GMT Fri 28th Nov 2008

Councillor John Gilbert

Islington Council's smart new lighting scheme in Finsbury Park has been given a big thumbs-up by residents and visitors according to a new survey. The new independent research revealed that people agree that the new lights make Finsbury Park look nicer and feel safer.

According to the survey:

• Only 32% of people thought the area was safe before the new lights were installed - but 77% of people agree that the area now feels safer.

• 90% of respondents thought the area now looks better.

• 78% of people thought that the lights would encourage people to visit the area after dark.

Residents and visitors gave lots of positive comments to the researchers, including:

• "it feels safer, especially for women."

• "it has got a better atmosphere and nicer environment".

Councillor John Gilbert, who campaigns on issues in the Finsbury Park area, said:

"People used to tell us that the shadowy area under the railway bridge used to be unpleasant for pedestrians. We've put in this lighting to make the pavement feel much safer and made the bridge something of a feature.

"This new research shows an overwhelmingly good reception for the scheme, which goes to show that with a bit of thought and effort we can design criminality out of our public spaces and claim the dark corners of London back for ordinary people."

"We're now looking at extending the new lights to the second railway bridge over Stroud Green Road and other parts of the borough."