When the shops close and the crowds disappear, Peckham’s bustling high street turns into something else entirely and it feels less safe, residents have told SouthLondonLines.

“It’s like two different towns,” said a butcher who works late shifts at a nearby supermarket. “During the day there’s music, markets and noise but after 10 o’clock it’s deserted. You can hear your own footsteps echo, which makes you anxiously walk faster.”

His comment reflects concerns voiced by many locals about poorly lit alleyways in this rapidly changing part of south London.

Peckham has undergone major redevelopment in recent years, with new bars, flats and creative spaces attracting young crowds. But long-time residents say the focus on daytime culture and nightlife hotspots has left quieter streets overlooked. Several alleys off Rye Lane and Peckham High Street have dim or broken lights, and locals report seeing fewer street cleaners and transport officers after midnight.

Residents say many of the quieter streets and alleyways have dim or broken lighting, which leaves pedestrians feeling vulnerable. They report seeing few street cleaners after dark, which exacerbates the sense of neglect.

Some say that Peckham may be in danger of overlooking the needs of long-standing members of the community in order to cater to younger, wealthier newcomers.

They add that without a concerted effort to address the safety concerns of all Peckham’s residents, the neighbourhood’s future may remain uncertain and the benefits of redevelopment may not reach those who have called the area home for decades.

Even so, new businesses open almost monthly in Peckham and property prices keep rising.