CCTV cameras to monitor cycle path between Lancaster & Morecambe after spate of attacks

The city council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee heard that last winter, surveys of residents indicated the Bay Cycleway was a place where people did not feel safe especially at night, with women in particular raising concerns about feeling at risk.

In April this year, a woman in her 70s was found with a head injury on the cycle path close to Ovangle Road, near Asda Lancaster.

The attack was the latest in a spate of criminal incidents on the Lancaster to Morecambe path. In response, concerned residents launched a petition calling on the city council to install CCTV along the route to improve safety.

"A change must happen,” said Luke Edmondson, who started the petition.

"You should never be scared to leave your own home. And that change has to be better lighting and CCTV cameras to make people feel safe walking on their own down that route.”

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee have now been told funds have been gained to install CCTV cameras on the cycleway between Morecambe and Lancaster along with clearing tree branches to allow for better lighting in the dark.

This project will be phased and work is expected around the Millennium Bridge this winter.

The committee was also given an update on a Public Space Protection Order approved by Lancaster City Council last winter following increasing complaints about anti-social behaviour in Lancaster city centre and some other locations.

A report to the meeting said: “In partnership with the local neighbourhood police teams, education has been the main focus rather than enforcement. However two fixed penalty tickets have been issued for persistent breaches.”

The report added: “There have been increases in other crime categories such as house burglaries, robbery of both individuals and businesses and violent crime. The cost of living crisis and the loss of services during the Covid pandemic are both believed to be a contributing factor. Crime with bladed weapons such as knives are also on the increase.

“The police and Morecambe Town Council have succeeded in The Knife Angel – a large sculpture made of knives – being displayed in 2024. A corresponding education package will be provided alongside the visual display.”