PERMANENT LIGHTING APPROVED FOR TWICKENHAM GREEN
Twickenham Green, one of Richmond’s most used parks, will now benefit from permanent improved lighting following a successful year-long pilot that earned strong support from the community and local police.
Motion- and daylight-sensor LED lights along the central path brighten when movement is detected and dim during quiet periods, combining greater visibility with energy efficiency and minimal ecological impact. In addition, lighting has been fine-tuned and bat boxes introduced to support local wildlife.
Councillor Katie Mansfield, Richmond Council’s White Ribbon Champion, said: “This decision shows we’ve listened to and acted upon community concerns about the lack of lighting on the green. While we will never forget the tragic death of Amelie Delagrange that prompted this work, our focus is on giving everyone confidence to use the park – particularly women and girls – and making these spaces welcoming, inclusive and safe for all.”
The Council continues to encourage people travelling or walking after dark to use well-lit public pathways and avoid using open spaces as shortcuts, as part of its wider efforts to support safety across the borough.
Councillor Mansfield added that the new and improved lighting is a tangible and visible step that sits alongside the latest borough-wide strategy, launched in October, to prevent and respond to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The strategy is “a comprehensive approach to ensuring stronger local action to support and empower women and girls in the community”.
While Richmond upon Thames remains one of London’s safest boroughs, the Council continues to prioritise action on VAWG through a range of initiatives, such as awareness campaigns, White Ribbon walks, targeted training, provision of specialist support and interventions, and partnerships with local organisations.
“No level of violence against women and girls is acceptable. That’s why we are strengthening local action to support and empower those at risk,” said Councillor Mansfield. “Our goal is to ensure the borough is a place where everyone, including women and girls, feel safe.”
The permanent lighting follows consultation with residents and local police, who supported the scheme as a practical measure to improve lighting on the green. The Council will continue to monitor its effectiveness to ensure Twickenham Green remains a safe, accessible and welcoming space for everyone.