Cassiobury Park and Watford Fields to get CCTV and lights

Watford Borough Council has announced that Watford Fields, in Watford Field Road, is set to become safer next year as new security cameras will be installed along the path from the High Street Station to Lady’s Close, where Watford Grammar School for Girls is.

The path is also between the station and both Watford Field School Infant and Nursery and Field Junior School The move follows calls from residents for measures to provide reassurance to both the community and visitors and make them feel safe, the council added.

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Watford Field Road (Image: Google Street View)

Cassiobury Park is set to gain improved lighting between the car park and the park’s hub.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Nothing is more important than feeling safe in your community, which is why Watford Council is continuing to invest in safety measures in the town."

Cassiobury Park (Image: Watford Borough Council)

He added that he hoped the measures will give people more confidence in the areas and deter anti-social behaviour.

The council says the aim of the scheme is to reduce crimes in the two areas by 5% and money for the improvements came from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Path to Watford High Street/Watford Fields from Lady's Close. (Image: Google Street View)

Sheraze, who has called for more security measures since suffering an attack in Cassiobury Park last year, said she was pleased to see action being taken but is still pushing for more measures in the park. Particularly along the paths from Cassiobury Park Avenue to both Rickmansworth Road and Parkside Drive.

She said: "It is good news for our town and community to hear that more steps are being taken to make Watford’s parks safer for all. 

"Having said that, I am disheartened to hear that the petition and proposal for new lighting and CCTV to be installed on the commuters and pupils path that links Watford town to the entrance of the park by Cassiobury Park Avenue has not been taken in consideration following the petition and town hall meeting. 

"My assault and many other attacks that happened over the last years did not happen on the illuminated path and therefore I urge the council to reconsider the lighting for the areas we currently walk without lighting."