Bus stop lights to cut crime fear

Bus shelters can be seen as threatening places after dark

Rural bus shelters in County Durham villages could soon use solar-powered lighting to help passengers feel safe and reduce vandalism.

Durham County Council is considering installing the lights at some bus stops in Gainford and Evenwood.

A report to the council's cabinet found that lack of lighting was discouraging "more vulnerable" passengers from using bus services after dark.

If the £6,300 pilot scheme is approved work could start at the end of March.

John Richardson, the council's director of environment, said: "There is no doubt that the environment of bus stops and their immediate surroundings can be seen as a threat to personal security and community safety, especially at night.

"A neighbouring council has installed solar lighting in a number of its rural bus shelters and that has resulted in a reduction in vandalism and provided passengers with an increased sense of security."