New lights and a "damn good clean up" are in store for the Williams Park walkway following a campaign by local residents.

The walkway, which runs parallel to George Bolt Memorial Dr from Kirkbride Rd to Robertson Rd, has been neglected since it was built about 15 years ago, Auckland Transport spokesman Mark Hannan says.

Lights put up many years ago were vandalised within a matter of weeks and have never been replaced.

And the darkened park, which is bordered by the walkway, has become a magnet for large groups of drinkers, who have been scaring residents by smashing bottles and yelling loudly.

At a meeting late last month, responsibility for the walkway was transferred from the New Zealand Transport Agency to Auckland Transport and the Auckland Council parks department.

And they won't be dragging their heels on the issue, Mr Hannan says.

"We'll be installing new lights and upgrading the walkway and it'll be done by Christmas. We're going to bring it up to the standard of other walkways - I believe it needs repaving and it needs a damn good cleanup. It's in a pretty dangerous state at the moment."

Nick Bakulich, spokesman for the Light Up Williams Park lobby group, says he is "over the moon" at the news.

In July, the group presented the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board with a petition bearing the signatures of about 700 locals wanting lighting installed at the park.

"It's going to make a big difference - I'd imagine that a lot more people will be able to use the park, especially women," Mr Bakulich says.

"Security wise, I think residents, the local school and the Manukau Rovers Rugby Club will probably feel a sense of relief.

"Quite a few walking groups and groups participating in weight loss challenges have never seen Williams Park as an option. Now, they can actually use the facilities."

- © Fairfax NZ News