Broken streetlights in Booker and Cressex is cause for growing “concern” following a kidnapping attempt in the area.

A 46-year-old woman managed to fight off an attacker last weekend after a man grabbed her from behind and tried to pull her backwards.

Police said she was walking along Cressex Road on Saturday, November 29 at the time of the attempted kidnap.

The attack happened just days after an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man in Wooburn Green, who told her to get into his white van.

Speaking of last Saturday’s events, Wycombe District Councillor for Booker and Cressex, Brian Pearce, said he was shocked at the “unexpected” attack.

He has raised concerns about the lack of street lighting in the area and Transport for Buckinghamshire has admitted to being made aware of an electrical problem in the area.

The Ukip councillor said: “It is shocking and appalling and a bit concerning that it happened here. It is so unexpected; you never like to think that could happen near your home.

Bucks Free Press:

Councillor Brian Pearce

“Women and men always need to be careful when walking on a dark road, but this is so unexpected.

“They must now remain awake to possible threats after this young lady was luckily able to get away as it may have been much worse.

“It is very worrying that this was just random as well, but I think everyone is hopeful this sort of attempt doesn’t happen again.”

He said a contributing factor in the attempt could be because a number of street lights in the area are not working. He said he counted 42 lamps in Booker and Cressex which were not working.

Councillor Pearce added: “It is getting dark earlier and there are a number of lights around here which aren’t working.

“On Cressex Road near Limmer Lane one light has been broken in a RTA [road traffic accident] and although no-one can know for certain, if it had been brighter the man may have thought twice.

“I also have concerns something like this could happen on Crest Road where six lights are out.

“This is the road between the cinema, [TGI] Friday’s and Asda are linked together and lots of young people use this route.”

Dan Elworthy, a Transport for Bucks spokesman, said: “We are aware of the lights currently not in service in the Cressex area.

“These have been affected by a problem with the electrical supply and we are currently working with the electricity board to rectify.

“A column at this junction [where Cressex Road meets with Limmer Lane] was cut down and made safe by TfB following a report of the column leaning. “This will be due for replacement by the end of January.

“The damaged lighting columns in Crest Road are scheduled to be replaced by the end of January.”