Women fear to walk in woods (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Women fear to walk in woods

A DARK shadow has been cast over one of Swindon's most beautiful spots.

With panoramic views across the town, Lawn Woods is usually a popular place for dog walkers, runners and for people who want get away from the hustle and bustle of urban streets.

But over the weekend the pathways, which wind around the lawns, were empty and a chilling eeriness filled the park.

Women are now too afraid to walk around the secluded woods after two women were preyed on by perverts in the grounds.

Even I was told to leave the park by a passer-by because "It's not safe for a young girl to be here on her own."

I'm not one to take fright easily, and, although I was touched by the woman's concern, I was not unduly worried.

However, an unsettling atmosphere is definitely lingering over the park after the two incidents and people are staying away. On Monday, July 25, a man making sexually explicit comments and simulating sexual actions approached a woman.

Last Thursday a 40-year-old woman, who was walking to work in Old Town at about 7.30am, was indecently assaulted.

The mum was too distraught to go to work that day but pushed her attacker off and escaped unharmed.

In light of recent events, Swindon police have warned women to be on their guard and say they should not walk alone.

And women in the town are heeding the advice no longer happy to wander in the park alone as they normally would.

Carmel Corry, from Old Town, was walking her black Labrador when she noticed me.

"I was worried when I saw you alone," she said. "I don't think you should be here on your own, it's not safe for a young girl to be here on her own."

The 46-year-old used to walk her dog early every morning.

But after the attacks she says she has had to change her routine.

"I'm waiting now until later when I hope there are more people around but even then there are not many," she said.

"And I'm walking with a group of other people, it's too frightening to be on your own. My friend has started carrying a metal dog chain with her for protection.

"As I walked through I've been looking around behind me because I am scared. I'm avoiding all of the actual wooded areas and trying to stay out of the darker spots. It's just made me feel vulnerable and on edge."

A 70-year-old woman from Old Town, who did not want to be named, was walking through the park with her husband.

"It is a very, very sad thing," she said. "This is a wonderful spot, which we are extremely lucky to have.''