A motion proposed by Reform UK councillor Cathy Williamson and seconded by Conservative councillor Nandini Singh will go before Swindon Borough Council tonight (Thursday 22nd October).
The proposals would see the council develop a fully costed scheme to improve safety at The Lawns in Old Town, before reviewing other parks and public spaces across the borough.
The motion cites figures showing 116 recorded violence and sexual offences associated with The Lawns in the 12 months to April 2026, the highest among eight locations examined.
Across those locations, the motion cites a combined 382 offences, including 48 at County Ground, 44 at Shaw Ridge Linear Park, 42 at Buckhurst Field, 38 at Folly Park, 33 at Brook Park, 31 at Coate Water and 30 at Penhill Park.
However, the figures cover violence and sexual offences generally, rather than attacks specifically against women or girls. Police crime mapping also uses approximate locations, meaning some incidents may have occurred near the parks rather than within them.
Councillors say the figures, alongside concerns about poorly lit pathways and personal safety after dark, make the case for further action.
Councillor Williamson said:
“Women and girls should be able to walk through our parks and public spaces without feeling that they have to change their route or avoid certain areas after dark. The figures for The Lawns, combined with the lack of lighting and CCTV inside the park, make a strong case for looking at practical improvements.
“This Reform UK motion is about moving from identifying the problem to setting out what can actually be delivered, what it will cost and how it could be funded.”
Under the proposals, the council would examine installing lighting along main pedestrian routes through The Lawns, including installation, electricity and maintenance costs.
Fixed CCTV cameras, mobile surveillance units and potentially drones would also be considered, working with Wiltshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and organisations including Swindon Night Angels.
Possible funding sources include developer contributions, external grants, Proceeds of Crime funding and local business sponsorship, subject to eligibility and availability.
The motion also seeks a wider review of other parks, including existing lighting, CCTV coverage and any problems with cameras already installed. Penhill Park and Coate Water are among the locations identified as lacking internal lighting.
Councillor Singh, who is seconding the motion, said:
“Everyone should feel safe using our parks and public spaces, whether they are walking to work, exercising, or simply enjoying some time outdoors. Too many residents, particularly women and girls, tell us that they think twice about using certain routes after dark, and that is something we are taking seriously.
“Residents rightly expect us to look at where risks exist, understand the costs involved and pursue sensible and affordable solutions.”
She added that the Conservative administration had already been upgrading CCTV across the town, including Fleming Way, Spring Gardens, Brunel West and Whalebridge car park.
The motion also recognises that recorded crime figures do not tell the whole story, with some residents avoiding certain routes or public spaces because they feel unsafe, particularly after dark.
If councillors approve the motion tonight, it would begin the process of assessing improvements and identifying funding, rather than immediately authorising new cameras or lighting.
Full Council meets at the Civic Offices at 7pm.
