A POORLY-LIT pathway behind a Vale of Glamorgan railway station which is blighted by crime has had new lighting installed.
The path behind Eastbrook Station in Dinas Powys has become known in recent years among local residents for incidents of anti-social behaviour.
A 14-year-old girl was left with facial injuries following an assault on the path in November 2022.
Following months of campaigning by local councillors, United Welsh has had four lights installed there.
“They have been up a week and a half now, I think, but it will be a lot safer around by here,” said one resident, Amy Maffey.
“There have been several incidents.”
Describing what it is like along the path, Amy, 32, said she wouldn’t even go outside her own door after dark.
She added: “I think the lighting is one aspect, another aspect [is] we need CCTV.
“It needs that to feel safe.”
The project cost £14,700 in total.
Vale of Glamorgan Council ward member for Dinas Powys, Cllr Anne Asbrey, said she was informed of the need for lighting along the path by a resident.
Describing what the path is like without lighting, Cllr Asbrey said: “There was a little bit of light coming from the train station, from the platform, but the area we are standing in right now was really creepy and eerie.”
She added that the initiative should help “enormously” in encouraging more people to use public transport and hopes it can be developed elsewhere in the town.
Cllr Asbrey said: “I would love to see this initiative here being taken forward to the Ash Path and any and every unlit path in Dinas Powys.
“I would love to see unlit paths being lit everywhere. We all should feel safe.”
Plaid Cymru councillor at Dinas Powys Community Council, Cllr Malcolm Phillips, said he was very pleased to see the 10 months of campaigning and work alongside Cllr Asbrey and fellow community councillor, Cllr Debbie Evans, come to fruition.
He said: “For many years it has been unlit and it has always been a thoroughfare for people.
“It is really dark. From the end of the railway station there, up to the Caerleon Road end there, it is pitch black.”
Noting the antisocial behaviour, which residents have reported in the area, Cllr Phillips added: “With that in mind, we needed to do something about it and we have.”
PCSO for Dinas Powys, Sam Martin, said: “First of all, it makes it easily accessible for residents who live in the area and people who come into the area.
“Nobody wants to walk around on a dark footpath in the night.
“It is a lot safer for people, but it acts as a deterrent as well.”
United Welsh is waiting for confirmation on a date for connection from Western Power Distribution.
Customer investment manager at United Welsh, Sarah James, said: “This is part of a wider plan of work we’re doing in Dinas Powys, working in partnership with residents and councillors to create more opportunities for young people and families to enjoy green spaces.”
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