Bright ideas for better lighting in Wandsworth

From housing estates to town centres, local people are telling the council about the streets and public spaces where better lighting would make the biggest difference.

At four recent events across the borough, residents took lighting experts to the places they use every day and shared their ideas for improvements.

Local people highlighted key walking routes, community spaces, shopping areas and transport links. They discussed what works well, where improvements are needed and how lighting could help make their neighbourhoods feel safer and more welcoming.

Each workshop began with a short presentation from lighting specialists before the group headed out on a walkaround to identify local areas that could benefit from better lighting.

So far, sessions have taken place in Wandsworth Common, Winstanley and York Road, Balham and Tooting.

Residents are invited to come along to the next two upcoming events in Putney on Monday 16 November or Wandsworth Town on Tuesday 17 November.

• Sign up for Putney workshop
• Sign up for Wandsworth Town workshop

Councillor Caroline de la Soujeole, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, joined the session in Battersea and said:

“We’re investing in lighting improvements across Wandsworth and listening carefully to local people about where changes can make the biggest difference. We’ll also take action where enforcement is needed to help keep people safe."

Housing estates to high streets

At the Winstanley and York Road event, residents discussed how lighting can support wider improvements already taking place in the neighbourhood. Councillor Matthew Corner, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“These improvements are part of the wider regeneration of Winstanley and York Road, helping us to make practical changes that can improve residents’ day-to-day lives.”

In Balham, conversations focused on how people use the town centre, dark spots and what could make it feel more welcoming and accessible.

Councillor Lynsey Hedges, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, said:

“We want residents feel comfortable shopping, travelling and enjoying nightlife in our town centres. Making sure women and girls feel safe at night is particularly important, so we’ll continue listening to their experiences and ideas about what would make the greatest difference."

All feedback will be reviewed and used to help shape future lighting investment across the borough.