Richmond Council has installed lighting along the central path of Twickenham Green, 20 years after the murder of a French student.
Amélie Delagrange, 22, was murdered by serial killer Levi Bellfield as she was walking across Twickenham Green on 19 August, 2004.
Amélie’s death was followed by long standing community requests for better lighting on the green, but last month’s installation was the first of its kind on the site.
Safety lighting wasn’t initially recommended as an effective safety proposal by the Metropolitan Police, but is now supported by the force after advancements in technology.
Councillor Rhi Lee, for South Twickenham said: “The police recommendation after Amélie Delagrange got murdered was that if you had bright lights in a dark place, people get attracted to that light, so it gives a false sense of security which could actually be more dangerous.
“I really do think if that path had been lit 20 years ago, Amélie would have crossed across that path and not across the green.
“I don’t know, but I don’t think he [Bellfield] would have followed her and I think she would be alive.”
In response, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We’re not reasonably going to be able to address recommendations that might have been made 20 years ago.”
Last month’s installation comes at a time of growing concern around violence against women and girls in the area.
Despite remaining the safest London borough, Richmond Council reported a 25% increase in these kind of offences from September 2023 to August 2024.
Council leader Gareth Roberts said: “Our goal is to create safe public spaces for all, especially women and girls.”
But some residents feel the safety lighting has only just scratched the surface when it comes to making women and girls feel safer in the community.
Caitlin, 25, who often walks across the green to get to her dad’s house, said: “It’s kind of like a band-aid, isn’t it, really?
“It’s not really addressing the actual problem, which is men who get taught that women are inferior.
“So, I think it starts with children and teaching children and boys particularly, to respect girls.”
Rhiannon, 27, lives a five minute walk away from the green and said: “I think beyond 10pm I probably wouldn’t cross.
“If you’re with someone else or a group it’s okay, but if you’re on your own and there’s a lot of men around, it’s a bit intimidating.”
Richmond Council run monthly walks and stalls as a White Ribbon-accredited organisation, with the aim of encouraging people, especially men and boys, to act and change the culture that leads to abuse.
Councillor Katie Mansfield, the council’s White Ribbon champion, said: “In recent years, the borough has made strides in tackling violence against women and girls.
“Richmond Council has rolled out various initiatives, including the Safe Space Marquee and bystander training programs, to support victims and educate the community.
“However, we must continue to raise awareness, challenge problematic views, and support each other to ensure such tragedy never happens again.”
The lights are part of a 12-month pilot scheme, with the hopes of installing full time after collecting feedback from residents.
The public can have their say through the council’s online consultation.
Featured image: Bella Shepherd-Evans
