Girls and women are being put at risk because a council has failed to ensure adequate lighting along a well-used footpath, it has been alleged.

The walkway between Cannon Lane to the High Street via Town Lock in Tonbridge is used by shoppers visiting stores such as M&S, Costa Coffee and Home Bargains.

Last week, a woman who was using the torch on her mobile phone to light her way, was surprised by a man in the shadows exposing himself.

The incident has led to renewed calls from Tonbridge and Malling’s Green councillors for proper lighting to be installed.

Cllr Anna Cope said: “This is a critical safety issue, particularly for women and girls using the route.

"It is unacceptable that the safety of those who use this path, especially women and girls, is being neglected.

“We have pushed for this lighting repeatedly and yet the council has not taken the necessary steps.

“This is not a funding issue; there are Section 106 payments from developers specifically earmarked for improving this path, including resurfacing it. The council’s lack of urgency is appalling."

Kent county councillors Mark Hood and Paul Stepto also indicated their dismay.

Cllr Hood said: “This is completely unacceptable. In our position as Tonbridge county councillors, we have urged the borough to take action to avoid exactly this type of situation.

“The safety of local residents is needlessly being put at risk.”

The path links Cannon Lane shops and the High Street and is used by many residents daily.

Cllr Matt Boughton (Con), the leader of Tonbridge and Malling council, said: “Ensuring Tonbridge is a place people feel safe when out and about is one of our top priorities.

“Since 2018 I have been campaigning for lighting along this stretch of the river and want to see action to improve the situation.

“The fact the land is owned by different parties does add complications and has delayed the project, but Tonbridge and Malling council has secured money for lighting and I’m determined to see progress in coming months.

“Lighting this footpath remains a key objective so we can create a walking route that people can feel safe using between the town centre and industrial estate. The project remains a priority.”

Recently, the borough council did act - at Cllr Cope’s urging - to improve the safety of women in the town who were being forced to walk home in the dark after being refused a ride by some taxi drivers waiting at Tonbridge Railway Station.

Some drivers were said to be reluctant to take passengers who wanted to only travel a short distance, or who did not have the ability to pay in cash rather than by card. Both actions are unlawful, but it was previously difficult to identify offenders.

In October, the council introduced a new rule requiring cabs to display their licence plate clearly on both sides of the cab, with an easily snapped QR included, so that passengers wishing to make a complaint could more easily identify the culprit.