NEW lights have been installed at Penleigh Park to improve the safety of the area at night and to encourage more people to use the park for recreation and exercise.
The Bat Hat lights, which were installed by Westbury Town Council, are designed to reduce any light pollution for the benefit of local wildlife.
The town council says, “Working with an external contactor, we have installed new solar lighting along the tarmac path at Penleigh Park that runs from Hackney Way to Queens Road. This is to encourage running, cycling, and walking in Westbury and make the space feel safer by improving the visibility.
“The lights are solar and installed in the centre of the path to create a visual route as well as providing low level lighting. The Bat Hat lights which have been installed reduce vertical lighting by 98%, by decreasing upwards light spillage, light trespass is reduced and the negative effects of light pollution on bats and other nocturnal animals is minimised.
“We have also worked alongside Wiltshire Council to have the access gates improved to facilitate future events and maintenance vehicles.”
A resident who uses the park has welcomed the new lights. “The new lights are great as I had always felt a little vulnerable walking my dog in the park at night. This will be even more effective in the winter months as it gets dark earlier – I’m just glad the council has been proactive in this.”
