Are lights and CCTV needed during the winter months in park?

War Memorial Park, North Walsham. Pictures: NNDC Planning Documents (Image: Archant)

North Walsham Town Council has applied for retrospective planning permission for 10 lighting columns and a CCTV camera at the War Memorial Park in Yarmouth Road.

Most of the comments on the North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) planning website support the application and call for the retention of the lights.

One person said: "Light is needed in the park to make the park safer after dark. People who need to walk across need lights for their safety to see where they are going and to avoid any danger. As the park is no longer locked overnight people congregate and lighting may discourage drugs."

Another member of the public said: "Love the lights in the park, feels so much safer in the evenings now and will benefit events which get held there."

Another person added: "As a father or four daughters, safety is paramount and if these lights lead to lesser risk in walking across the park then I am fully in support."

And another said: "I organise two major events a year that involve using the park. One problem has been the lack of lighting. These lights will be a major help for future events including the upcoming Battle for North Walsham festival."

However, another person objected and said: "The lights are not in keeping with the area. There is no evidence of need, no evidence of serious incidents within the park, no consultation with the users or the public at large."

Another objector said: "The War Memorial Park bylaws clearly state that it shall be open at 8am and closed at 9.30pm during the months March to September, and shall open at 8am and close at 5pm from October to February. As the 1949 bylaws have not been amended, there is, therefore, no need for lights."

Another webuser added: "Any alterations to the park has to be done with consultation with the people. The lights go against the climate emergency called by NNDC."