CALLS have been made for CCTV, better lighting and more police patrols following a rape attack in the Broadmayne underpass.

Mark Gilding, 43, has started an E petition calling on the Department for Transport to sort out the issue, stating the demands on behalf of all Basildon residents.

His campaign follows an attack on a 26-year-old woman in the Broadmayne underpass, next to Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

It was subsequently revealed the lights had been reported as broken three months before the attack, in mid July, and even now have only been repaired temporarily.

Mr Gilding, of Acacia Park, Basildon, said: “Something as serious as rape didn’t seem to be taken seriously enough.

“I use this underpass a lot first thing in the morning and last thing at night, when I don’t use it I walk up to the lights.

“I think what the council needs to provide is a safe environment for residents.

“I am a 43-year-old bloke and I wouldn’t use that underpass if the lights are not working, it just doesn’t feel safe.

“I want people to sign the petition so the council responds quickly. I want the Government to know what is going on and I want the council to act to make this place safer.”

If 100,000 people sign the e-petition, which currently has 35 signatures, it will be debated in the House of Commons.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Investigations into the lighting issues have been ongoing and the underpass is currently lit.

“Installation of CCTV in the underpass is the responsibility of Basildon District Council.

Heightened police presence would, of course, be a matter for Essex Police.”

Basildon Council is conducting an urgent review of all underpass in Basildon and Essex Police said it had extra patrols following the attack.

! Nathan Morgan, 23, of no fixed address, has been charged with rape and actual bodily harm and will appear at Basildon Crown Court in October for a plea and case management hearing.