Following a tragic death, Birmingham's city centre streets are under intense scrutiny as residents report feeling unsafe due to an 'unacceptable' number of areas being plunged into darkness after nightfall.
Darkness Descends on Key Routes
In a bid to save money, Birmingham City Council has implemented street lighting cuts, casting a gloomy and ominous atmosphere over even the busiest central areas. The fatal stabbing of Katie Fox last week on Smallbrook Queensway has ignited fresh anger over the situation, with many locals stating they feel unsafe and that city leaders should be 'ashamed'.
Despite a previous campaign by BirminghamLive that temporarily restored lighting on parts of Corporation Street, this major pedestrian route is now once again dotted with dark spots. Other problematic areas include Stephenson Street, where illumination relies heavily on a nearby McDonald's, and Rotunda Square outside the Bullring. The steps leading to Moor Street station and the tunnel connecting it to Smallbrook Queensway—the scene of the tragic incident—are described as chillingly dim. Furthermore, the iconic LED 'eye' screens at New Street station, a former source of brightness, have been switched off for years.
Public Outcry and Official Responses
Local campaigner Reiss Omari, who has long fought for better lighting, stated forcefully: "The safety of Birmingham at the moment seems to be bottom of the barrel." He urged leaders, "We can’t stop knife crime - but at least try and help." A Sutton Coldfield resident, Tom Jones, called the gateway into Digbeth from the centre a "disgrace".
When pressed on whether it accepted responsibility for creating unsafe conditions, a council spokesperson highlighted regular inspection and maintenance of streetlights. They pointed to an £8 million programme to replace ageing lights with modern LEDs and 1,000 new columns. The council also cited the Moor Street Gateway scheme, which includes plans to upgrade the St Martin's Queensway tunnel with new lighting by summer 2032 to eliminate hiding places.
Partners Pledge Action on Safety
Bullring owner Hammerson, while asserting it takes public safety "exceptionally seriously", clarified that Rotunda Square falls under the council's remit. The firm did, however, confirm plans to relaunch New Street station's media eyes next year.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker expressed his determination to make streets safe. "Everyone should feel safe, whether you live here, work here, or come here to visit," he said, offering condolences to Katie Fox's family and vowing a zero-tolerance approach to knives. The Combined Authority has also pledged to investigate dimmed lights on Corporation Street with National Grid.
