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Retreat Lane gets security boost with new lighting

Posted on 5 November 2003

Bright new lights have been installed along Retreat Lane, which runs from the University of York campus into the centre of the city.

The work, funded by the former Voluntary Crime Prevention Panel, has been seen as an important safety measure on the main pedestrian route into York for many of the University's 9,000 students and for the many other pedestrians and cyclists who live in the area.

A symbolic giant cheque will be handed over at the entrance to Retreat Lane on Thursday (6 November) at 6pm. A representative of the Safer York Partnership, which has succeeded the Voluntary Crime Prevention Panel, will present the cheque to Dr Andy Macdonald, Director of Facilities Management at the University of York. The University applied for the funds on behalf of the local neighbourhood to undertake the lighting upgrading.

"Although the Voluntary Crime Prevention Panel has been superseded by the Safer York Partnership, I think its last allocation of funds has been to a very worthwhile cause," said the University's Security Manager, Ken Batten. "The Retreat Lane forms a major public route into the city, and it's important that everyone who walks or cycles here feels safe."

Mr Robert Brownlow, Director of Finance at The Retreat Hospital will also attend the ceremony. The Retreat Lane runs through land owned by the hospital. Also present will be Chief Superintendent John Lacey, Bob Wood, Chair of the Safer York Partnership, Steve Crouch, Security Operations Manager at the University, Tony Buttin, Treasurer of the former Voluntary Crime Prevention Panel, and David Allison, formerly of the Voluntary Crime Prevention Panel.

Notes to editors:

  • Safer York, established in 1998 and funded by the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police, brings together public organisations, members of the public, voluntary groups and businesses to improve safety in the city.

Contact details

David Garner
Senior Press Officer

Tel: +44 (0)1904 322153