Concerned residents in Chiswick have started a campaign calling for lighting to be installed on a footbridge near Strand-on-the-Green.

Families who regularly use the bridge, which runs over the railway, have been piling pressure on the council and Network Rail to take action for the safety of people living in the area, since the beginning of the year.

The crossing, which lies between Deans Close and Herbert Gardens, has got people particularly fearful following several attacks in the nearby areas.

However, both Network Rail and Hounslow Council have denied any responsibility to its residents.

Campaign leader and private tutor, Lynn Emm, of Ernest Gardens, who is one of many residents frightened to cross the footbridge in the darkness, said: It's very frightening crossing the bridge on your own.

"It's not just women that have said this, men as well.

"You are lonely and isolated and there are escape routes at both ends so perfect for an attack.

"Currently lighting is at the bottom of the step at each end - it is lighting the step, not the bridge. But there should be lighting up there."

Since January, a group of 30 residents have written to Hounslow Council, Network Rail and enlisted the help of local politicians including MP Mary Macleod and councillor Paul Lynch.

They have been appealing for help following a wave of crime in the local area, including a woman who was attacked and robbed near the Bell and Crown pub, as well as another woman who was robbed and stabbed near Dukes Meadows.

'Vulnerable'

Ms Emm said these incidents have made people "feel very anxious".

People are urging the council and the rail operator to put people's safety first.

Teleri Jone, 50, of Magnolia Road, said: "I’m concerned about the footbridge over the railway line next to Herbert Gardens alleyway.

"I frequently use it as a convenient short cut but feel that it’s dangerous when dark as there are no lights at the top.

"As a single female I feel very vulnerable when using it and think there should be lights put in place."

Claire Carter, 58, of Bailey Mews, who is an operations director at Arts Academy, added: "This is especially bad in the winter obviously, with the dark evenings, when it is easy to trip or slip when you cannot see where you're walking.

"The other concern is the footbridge doesn’t drain, and leaves big puddles after heavy rainfall.

"I also don’t feel particularly safe walking home although I will not walk back after dark.

"I feel vulnerable as a lady on her own walking, even though I walk fast and am aware of my surroundings.

"It would be easy for someone to hide either side of the bridge especially as there is an extra large fence on the Dean Close side.

"Apart from concern for myself, I also think about older people and children.

"I look forward to a solution soon."

Anthony Philip, 74, of Ernest Gardens, added: "I am very unsteady up and down stairs.

"I frequently walk across the footbridge between 6pm and 10.30pm. This is very worrying if it is raining.

"I do hope this can be sorted out."

A meeting was due to be held with the council and rail operators in March but, as yet, no date has been set and the likelihood is becoming slimmer.

A Hounslow Council spokesman said: "As part of our commitment to keep our residents safe we have organised an urgent meeting with Network Rail to resolve this issue and install lighting along the bridge as soon as possible."

Network Rail has also been contacted for a comment.