Calls for bat-friendly lighting on popular 'pitch black' Droitwich footpath - The Droitwich Standard

Calls for bat-friendly lighting on popular 'pitch black' Droitwich footpath

Droitwich Editorial 10th Feb, 2022   0

A CAMPAIGNING couple who were told it was not possible to have street lamps on a dark well-used footpath in Droitwich because of bats are calling on the council to have a rethink.

Mike and Jan Skan contacted Coun Richard Morris back in August about the stretch of Newland Road which links Primsland Way to Yew Tree Hill village.

Coun Morris contacted Worcestershire County Council but was told bats residing there meant the area was unsuitable for lighting.

The pair having seen our article last week about bat-friendly lighting which has been installed in Fernhill Heath now want to look at the situation again.




Coun Morris – who agrees with them – has also contacted highways to get them to reassess the area.

Mike said: “In the winter it gets really dark along Newland Road and is used a lot by young people getting to school and women going to and from work.


“It’s absolutely pitch black down there and there are posts to stop vehicles using it which you can’t see in the dark until you’re right upon them.

“There is often a lot of tree debris on the ground when we get high winds which is another hazard if you can’t see the branches that have fallen.”

He added with around 700 homes in the area and probably double the amount of people using the path, there was justification for lighting to be added.

“It wouldn’t be an easy job but it is necessary to improve safety.

“The only other route is via Pulley Lane and that is even more dangerous as there is no footpath along the road.”

The Standard contacted Worcestershire County Council and is awaiting a response.

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