THE Students' Union at the University of Derby has added its voice to a call for better lighting in Markeaton Park.

Earlier this week, Labour city councillor Chris Williamson said students felt unsafe using the car park at night.

He is calling on the Liberal Democrat-led city council to take action.

In September, students began using Markeaton Park to leave their cars before taking the bus to the university. This was done in an attempt to cut down on on-street parking.

But the darker nights have highlighted the problem of lighting leading to complaints from Mr Williamson, who also criticised the university over the situation.

A students' union spokesman said: "We believe the university has demonstrated consideration for local residents in providing this solution and that the service itself has the potential to be very successful.

"But we are concerned about the lack of appropriate lighting in the car park itself or a lit, sheltered area at the bus stop to prevent students being exposed to the elements."

City council leader Hilary Jones said: "We have to balance the use for parking with the need to protect the character of the park and to ensure those who want to use it for recreational purposes are not deterred by the proposal.

"There are also restrictions in the legal transfer of the land to the council which limit what can be built or installed in the park without the agreement of the former landowner's family."

The university has already agreed to part-fund lighting and security work at the Markeaton Park car park and a university security guard is already on duty.