LIGHTS are going up in a Tuffley park this week to combat anti-social behaviour.

Gloucestershire county councillor Vic Rice, who represents the Grange ward, had long been campaigning for additional lighting in Randwick Park and it was announced in November last year that three lights would be installed.

Now work has started this week to erect the lights in the park.

"This is the first step towards getting the park reasonably well lit throughout," said Mr Rice.

"The new lighting will make people feel safer and it will also combat anti-social behaviour, that is why I have been campaigning for the lights."

He added that the park might get more use now too.

Three lights are being put up initially, but the aim is to get five up in total.

Gloucester City councillor Nigel Hanman (Con, Grange) backed the decision to put the lights up.

He said: "It has got to be a good thing for the area. These places do get young people gathering in them and drinking, and I'm sure this will get better with the new lighting. From what I have heard there have been a few problems in the past."

He added that the park might get more use now too.

PC Emma McDonald, from the Gloucester South Safer Community Team, is pleased that the lights are finally being put up.

She said: "This is a public space for all members of the community and hopefully these lights will make people feel safer, it is great news."

It comes as in a speech on Tuesday, Denis O'Connor, Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, said anti-social behaviour was one of the top issues raised by the public nationally.

Gloucestershire Police Chief Constable for corporate services, Ivor Twydell said he echoed Denis O'Connor's remarks.

He said: "We too recognise, by listening to our local communities, that anti-social behaviour is an issue that really matters to people. "It blights people's lives, affects their standard of living and can have a devastating impact on safety and wellbeing."