PLANS are underway to enhance the lighting of the Killacourt to make the area more welcoming and safer.

Newquay Town Council proposes to install columns, which would be funded through the Town Regeneration and Investment Programme (TRIP) aimed at boosting high street business growth.

The environment and facilities committee approved releasing £400 to submit a planning application for the lighting enhancement of the Killacourt.

A town council spokesperson said: “One of the projects funded by TRIP was a lighting design for the Killacourt. At present, the Killacourt is only lit in the evenings by strip lighting on the benches down the central path and two lighting columns, one at the top and one at the bottom of the Killacourt by the steps to Blue Reef Aquarium.

“Our CCTV manager has advised that the Killacourt can be incredibly difficult to see at night, making it hard to track and monitor any anti- social behaviour.

“The purpose of the lighting design was to enhance the lighting on the Killacourt to not only make it a more welcoming, safer space in the evenings but also provide enough ambient lighting to assist our CCTV team with monitoring the area.

“The lighting plan has been designed and developed to be sympathetic to the area given the sensitivity of not only the open space itself but also to ensure the lighting does not impact the environment as well as the surrounding residences.

“The lighting itself has been carefully chosen with the location and on-going maintenance in mind.

“The columns will be well suited for the maritime climate and have the ability to be lowered for ease of maintenance, therefore removing the need for access equipment.

“The lighting design that has been created is ready to be submitted to Cornwall Council planning if members wish to progress with the scheme.

“The design can be tweaked ahead of this however redesigns would come at a cost which would not be funded by TRIP.

“Subject to committee approval and planning, the next steps would be to secure external funding for the project given it is unlikely it could be funded from the existing budget/earmarked reserves.

“As the project cannot proceed without at least planning consent, this is the recommended first stage.”