Bats block plans for crime-fighting lights in park

A council said it had to carry out a £15,000 bat survey before it could install lighting in a park.

Stevenage City Council agreed to consider installing lights at Fairlands Valley Park after 1,300 people signed a petition arguing it could deter crime.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 191 crimes were committed at a council meeting in the last five years, 33 of which took place in the dark.

However, after determining that the park's bat population was “of county importance,” it was concluded that a full survey of the animals would be required before lighting could be added.

At the meeting on Wednesday October 16, Environment Cabinet member Councilor Simon Speller told colleagues the cost of the survey would be £15,000.

He said: “There are at least eight species of bats in the forests of Fairlands Valley Park and this presents us with a huge environmental challenge. It is illegal to disturb the habitat of bats when they are sensitive to light.”

Following the survey, the council would be required to engage a lighting consultant, although further funding may also be required.

Speller explained at the meeting that there is “no legal requirement to provide lighting in parks,” but acknowledged that it may be necessary for safety reasons.

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