A COUNCILLOR has vowed to visit the site of a robbery in a bid to see if improved lighting is needed.

Police are hunting a man after a 57-year-old woman was pushed to the ground from behind in the alleyway between Friars Lane and Cloisters Avenue.

She sustained facial injuries.

The man is described as wearing red tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

He stole a mobile phone and a purse. The items were later recovered but £50 was missing from the victim’s purse.

Police said the incident happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Saturday.

The path is used by many as a shortcut between Cloisters Avenue and Friars Lane. Although it is partially lit by streetlights, the path is not overlooked by the road and in light of the attack and the darker evenings, Risedale Councillor Debra Seward has vowed to take a look at the area.

“You don’t usually hear of things like that round here. It’s absolutely shocking,” said Cllr Seward, who has represented the ward since 2011.

“You should be able to walk anywhere and feel safe.

“Although it’s getting dark at that time it’s not pitch-black.

“I think it’s a well-used pathway and this might make a lot of people feel unsafe.

“It’s awful when things like this happen; it’s frightening.

“We’ve got a ward visit on Wednesday so we’ll go and take a look at the alley and see if it’s adequately lit.

“It does want looking at and people deserve to feel safe.

“If we think the lighting isn’t adequate then we can have a word with our colleagues in the Cumbria County Council local area committee who can maybe speak to the highways department to ask them to improve the lighting.”

Mail readers have spoken of their shock at the robbery in a quiet residential area.

Jenny Howe said: “Absolutely disgusting; I used to live there and use that alley.

“My mum lives there and I do worry about her.

“I know the victim and really feel for her, she did not deserve this, and I hope they catch whoever did this... absolute scum.”