STUDENT leaders say they will name and shame councillors if a spate of attacks in an unlit area near The University of Salford does not prompt action.

Following four violent assaults on students, their union has called for lights to be put up around the path in Peel Park and Wallness Lane.

The issue was discussed at a meeting attended by university, council and police officials and the site is set to be assessed.

Two victims, attacked a fortnight ago, suffered injuries including a broken arm and severe cuts to the face, which may result in permanent scaring.

Ryan Griffiths, 23, a physics student from Bolton was attacked on his way home.

He said: "I got pounded with a two foot long branch," he said. "My arm was instantly broken and the side of my face is a mess.

"Roads like this encourage thugs to attack innocent people. I hope the council will do something about it."

The paths, which are not on university grounds, are Salford City Council’s responsibility.

Student union president Andrew Snowden said: "We have been campaigning for years and have been ignored by councillors and council officials.

"I want to make it clear that we will hold the council to account if they fail to live up to their promises and we will name and shame them."

Don Brown, head of community safety for Salford City Council, said: "We’re working closely with police and the university to make fast changes and we’d encourage people to stick to safe access routes and use the free bus available to students."

A University of Salford spokesman said: "We’ve highlighted the poor lighting in the Wallness Lane area to Salford City Council several times.

"Following the meeting, we offered our own resources to cut back shrubbery and improve visibility for pedestrians."

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