Residents can join a march to “reclaim the night” in Watford to make it clear that women should have the right to walk without fear.

Setting off from the Watford Metropolitan Line Underground station at 5pm next Sunday, November 24, the walk through Cassiobury Park is open to all.

Participants will be calling for better street lighting across Watford, so that everyone is able to move safely through public spaces after dark.

(Image: Watford Labour Party) One of those taking part in the Watford Labour Party-organised event will be Watford MP Matt Turmaine. He said: “We all have a role to play when it comes to protecting women’s safety and we are proud to support UN Women’s #RightToMove campaign and Watford Women’s Centre Plus this year.

“The tragic killings of Carol Hunt and her two daughters, Louise and Hannah, in Bushey earlier this year have once again put violence against women and girls at the forefront of Watford residents’ minds.

(Image: Watford Labour Party) “Clearly everyone has the right to feel safe and to be safe and drawing attention to this important issue will exert pressure to ensure greater safety.

“All are welcome and I urge commuters, families, dog walkers, and park runners to join us to reclaim the night on our nocturnal walk in the park.”

Attendees will follow in the footsteps of the first UK Reclaim the Night march, which was held in Leeds in 1977 in response to the Yorkshire Ripper murders, highlighting that women should be able to walk at night and not be restricted or blamed because of men’s violence.

Watford’s event will also be taking place on the eve of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

(Image: Watford Labour Party) Watford Women’s Centre Plus CEO Lucy Martin said: “Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by gendered violence on the streets and in the home.

“Research tells us that marginalised women, such as Black, Asian and minority ethnic women or disabled women, are more likely to experience gendered violence.

“We are marching in honour of those whose voices have been silenced and to show a united front against violence of all kinds.”