Lights will make Royal Holloway students safer

The unlit area is just a few hundred yards from Englefield Green cemetery, where a woman student was sexually assaulted in November last year.

Englefield Green Residents' Association chairman, Alan Fone, said the project came about when one of its members was doing a traffic survey in Blays Lane and was approached by three women students.

He added: "They asked if we were in touch with the council and could do anything about the lighting in the lane as it was incredibly dark down there and they felt if was very dangerous."

The association then worked with the college to enlist the help of county councillor for Englefield Green, Marisa Heath, who headed the campaign through her role as vice-chairman of Runnymede Local Area Committee.

She said: "I take the safety of students and all residents very seriously so I am pleased this route will now be lit. I am discussing further ways of making students feel safe with representatives from Royal Holloway."

Cllr Heath added she had also been on a tour of the village with councty council highways officer Richard Bolton to look at other areas where lighting could be improved.

Vice president of Royal Holloway Students' Union, in charge of education and welfare, Adam Cadoo (correct), said it was pleased with the outcome.

He said: "This is a step that is warmly welcomed by the students here at Royal Holloway. As citizens and neighbours of the community, all will benefit from this increased provision of public lighting.

"Safety has to be the absolute priority concern and this investment into the local area will make Englefield Green a safer place for it."

Installation of the lights is due to start in 10-12 weeks.