Exec Blog

Many students have contacted us about a petition asking for more safety measures on Woodhouse Moor (also known as Hyde Park), focusing on lighting and CCTV. Safety on the Moor is a huge concern to all residents in the area, and we want to make sure our students are as safe as possible. Because of this, we do not agree with every measure set out in the petition. We feel especially that lighting and CCTV will not reduce crime on the moor.

The reasons we oppose lighting and CCTV in Woodhouse Moor are:

• Although footpaths would be lit, there would still be large dark areas all over the Moor. There would still be a lot of space for muggers to hide.
• Lighting would give a false sense of security, encouraging more people to walk through when there would still be risks to personal safety.
• CCTV is only a deterrent if backed up by people on the ground. It might help catch criminals after the event, but does not help if someone is in trouble.

We want solutions that make students safe, and continue to work with the police and council to make sure your concerns are being addressed.  To help us do this, we’re holding a safety forum on Monday, 3.00 - 4.30 in the Common Room, to discuss students’ concerns and come up with solutions to take forward to the council. Please come down if you have any ideas or concerns you want to raise.

And as always, check out the Knowledge website (the link is www.knowledge-leeds.co.uk) for advice on your personal safety, and please take sensible precautions to ensure you stay safe on dark nights.

Ben F and Harriet