NEIGHBOURS living next to 'Worcester's darkest car park' may have to provide their own illumination using solar lights if it helps them feel safe.

The lack of street lighting at Snowshill Close in Warndon, dubbed the darkest in the city, has sparked concerns from residents who have complained of drug dealing and dogging.

Worcester News: PETITION: Cllr Jill Desayrah has campaigned to get lighting installed at the car park in Snowshill Close in Warndon PETITION: Cllr Jill Desayrah has campaigned to get lighting installed at the car park in Snowshill Close in Warndon (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Residents have now been told they can illuminate some of the area themselves if they are prepared to pay for their own solar lights.

As previously reported, some have said the car park is so dark they struggle to unlock their cars in the morning, especially in the winter. 

A petition for street lighting, organised by Warndon's Labour councillor for Worcester City Council, has already attracted 35 signatures.

Worcester News: PETITION: Cllr Jill Desayrah with the petition for lighting to help the residents of Snowshill Close in Warndon, Worcester PETITION: Cllr Jill Desayrah with the petition for lighting to help the residents of Snowshill Close in Warndon, Worcester (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Jill Desayrah said: “I find it extraordinary that a resident is having to resort to spending their own money and effort to light a public pathway.

"The sooner the car park and its surrounding paths can be properly lit for everybody the better. I sincerely hope Platform Housing and the county council will be able to work together towards this - at no additional cost to local residents.”

Although Platform Housing has ruled out bringing in street lighting so far, it said it has no problem with tenants using solar lights on their fences if it makes them feel safer.

A spokesperson said: "We’re sorry to hear some residents have signed a petition regarding issues they have concern over.

"Our localities team have visited the area and spoken to a number of residents who haven’t needed to raise those concerns; we’ve also followed this up with the local police who also haven’t received complaints of that nature.

"We have considered the suggestion about a gate to the car park however, the location and design would prevent it being feasible. However, residents are able to place solar lights on their own property or fence for help with feeling safe."

A sticking point is that the the landowner, Platform Housing, said installing lights would generate a service charge for tenants even though not everyone who uses the car park is a Platform tenant.

In a statement, issued last month, a spokesperson for Warndon Safer Neighbourhood Team said it has stepped up patrols and there have not been any calls about ASB in the area recently.

“However, we take any issues around anti-social behaviour and drug use seriously and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to address such issues as and when they arise," he said.