THE safety of a Peebles park has been boosted in time for winter thanks to an innovative lighting project.

Three years ago Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler took part in a Victoria Park ‘walk-about’ with nearby residents.

He found that a top priority to improve access was “better lighting”.

Now ground level LEDs and new lamp standards have enhanced visibility at the popular green space.

Mr Tatler said: “In addition to some new standard lighting columns, LED solar-powered studs have been installed, which capture energy from sunlight through built-in panels.

“They effectively outline the path’s edges, improve visibility, and enhance safety without disrupting the surrounding ambient light.”

Scottish Borders Council’s street lighting team worked alongside the councillors and the Peebles Common Good Fund sub committee to explore innovative solutions to improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

On Monday evening the councillors met street lighting technician Kirk Ford, near Peebles Tennis Club, to see the difference with the ground level lights.

Mr Ford said: “In this complex, innovative project, we have installed about 100 lights by coring the tarmac and sealing them in place with tar coloured Triflex sealant.

“There is a further area to complete by the park’s teen shelter.”

The project is the first use of this “energy-efficient technology” for this purpose in the Borders, and the councillors hope it will prove effective all year-round.

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas said: “I am delighted to see that the new lighting system has been installed in Victoria Park and that the innovative ground lighting is working well.

“The consultation exercise, conducted with fellow councillors, clearly showed that the public are very much in favour of the new lighting scheme.”

Fellow ward councillor Julie Pirone added: “I’m delighted that Robin Tatler pushed forward the lighting in the park in conjunction with local residents and those who had an interest.

“It was vital for safety concerns and so that at the start of winter the park can now be walked through or used during these dark months.”