Elderly residents feel “trapped in their homes” because a route from their retirement homes is unlit and feels dangerous to walk along.

Those living at Applegarth Park in Seasalter are calling for streetlights to be installed along an alleyway and part of Church Lane near Faversham Road.

They say the route is “scary” as there could be someone lurking in the darkness while the uneven path could present a dangerous tripping hazard.

Some living at the site - owned by holiday and residential park firm Keat Farms - have mobility and sight problems so find navigating the footpath difficult.

Resident Julie Bailey says she has contacted the owners of Applegarth Park about installing lighting along the alleyway and Kent County Council about Church Lane.

“It is very dangerous as at night it is pitch black as there are no lights,” the 74-year-old said.

“There are some lights further up Church Lane but not where the alleyway is which means it is total darkness.

“There is a lot of traffic in Church Lane so it is dangerous going along there in winter.

“I have a torch on my phone but that is not the best as it causes shadows.”

But she argues some residents do not have mobile phones while others may have their hands full after returning with groceries from the nearby shop.

“You have to be careful as the path is uneven so you might slip and Applegarth Park is for seniors,” she added.

“They are at a certain age where they cannot live without any light whatsoever.

“It is scary because you do not know who is going to be lurking.”

Ms Bailey, who moved to the site nine years ago, has been battling since then to have streetlights installed.

But she says Keat Farms has been reluctant to introduce them along the alleyway.

“There are elderly people with walkers and mobility scooters,” she said.

“Some people have bad vision and walk with canes. It should be safe for these people.

“It is bad enough in the daytime.”

Seasalter councillor Naomi Smith (Lab) says there are a lot of people who live at the park who do not drive.

She says they have to use the dark route to walk to the nearest bus stop, which is already pitch black before 5pm.

“There is a local shop but residents take their lives in their hands because they cannot see,” she said.

“It is a real risk for them and it makes them feel unsafe. They are less likely to go out to engage so people are getting trapped in their own homes.

“It is really tough on them as it limits their freedoms.”

Cllr Smith says there are planters in the middle of the footpath residents could walk into and people are “nervous” about using the route.

“You do not know if anyone is lurking.

“It is highly unlikely anyone would be but because you cannot see you do not know.”

Keat Farms was contacted for comment.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “We have not received a report of concerns in this area.

“People should report concerns to the landowner.”