The police have been told to prioritise the safety of people using a path which has been affected by anti-social behaviour.

After a petition was signed by more than 1,200 people, St Albans District Council has called on Hertfordshire Constabulary to “retain safety” in Alban Way a walking and cycling route which runs between St Albans and Hatfield.

In September, two people were assaulted by teenagers in Alban Way.

In response, campaigners urged the council to improve safety along Alban Way; in particular installing CCTV cameras to monitor activity and deter anti-social behaviour.

The council has revealed temporary cameras were installed in the autumn at a known trouble hotspot – Hill End Lane – but said placing permanent cameras along the route would cost in the region of £500,000, which would breach a national code of practice.

This is because the number of crimes reported in Alban Way is “relatively low” and did not amount to a “pressing need”.

Installing new lighting was an option proposed at the council’s community safety working group on January 10. Lighting along the entire length would cost around £500,000 plus future maintenance costs.

The group called on the police to prioritise patrols in Alban Way.

Cllr Salih Gaygusuz is expected to submit a report of his findings in March.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, chairman of both the working group and the scrutiny committee, said: “It is not often that the council gets a petition of this magnitude and it’s vital that we listen to the concerns of our residents and respond to them

“The petition shows there is widespread concern that the Alban Way - one of our most treasured community assets - has become unsafe, particularly at night.

“There may not be a strong enough case for installing CCTV, but clearly we should investigate other effective measures, working with the local community.

“We will urgently investigate what can be done and we have asked him to report back to us with a plan of action. We will be expecting him to map out the way forward.”