Police are continuing their meticulous search for clues in the Joanna Yeates murder investigation.
Residents in Long Ashton reported numerous police officers combing the grass verges along Providence Lane – the road that runs into Longwood Lane where Miss Yeates’ snow-covered body was found on Christmas Day by dog walkers.
Police confirmed to the Evening Post that officers were carrying out routine searches in Long Ashton as part of their inquiries.
One local man, who did not wish to be named, said: “There was loads of police going through the undergrowth around Providence Lane with sticks. I have no idea if they found anything useful.”
Meanwhile Miss Yeates’ boyfriend Greg Reardon has collected £3,000 in her memory as people lined up to donate to her legacy.
Mr Reardon, 27, set up an online page with the Missing People Charity on New Year’s Day and has received donations from hundreds of people moved by the tragedy.
Mourners have left tributes to the 25-year-old landscape architect and donated sums to the charity – some leaving gifts of up to £200.
Among those who have pledged money include friends of Miss Yeates and people in her close-knit neighbourhood of Clifton.
Friend Jane Turner donated £10 and left a message saying: “I will always remember Jo and the fun we had together xxx.”
Another friend Robert Tanti gave £25 to the cause and posted: “Jo, you were instantly likeable.
“You will forever live in our memories.
“Greg you truly are amazing, and we are proud to have you as our friend.”
The Missing People Charity had helped spread the word of Miss Yeates’ disappearance and campaigned on the streets of Bristol to help find her.
Chief executive Martin Houghton-Brown said: “It is deeply heartening that even at a time of crisis the family and friends of Joanna Yeates, and their supporters, are so selflessly supporting other families affected.
“If your house is burgled you are automatically offered emotional, practical and legal support.
“If your child goes missing you may get nothing.
“All the money raised at justgiving.com/joannayeates will help the charity to change this injustice and be a lifeline when someone disappears.”
Elsewhere fears have been raised about the quality of street lighting in Clifton where many areas are very dark.
In April 2009 the Evening Post reported on female resident Carolyn Morris calling for better lighting after a string of sex attacks in the Clifton and Redland area.
“It is not fair that women should be frightened walking around where they live, even if it is at night,” Miss Morris said.
“My friend walks down the middle of the road because she thinks that is safer – there really is a genuine sense of fear.
“It is not fair that women should be frightened walking around where they live, even if it is at night.”
In July that year 30-year-old Benjamin Jackson, who was dubbed the Bristol groper, pleaded guilty to carrying out four sexual assaults in the dimly lit streets and was jailed for six years.
A spokesman for Bristol City Council said yesterday a rolling programme was in place to change the lighting in the Clifton area.
He said: “Around 330 street lights have been replaced or improved in the Clifton area over the last few years, including the column opposite where the murder victim lived.
“Replacement lanterns have been provided which give improved lighting levels. This is a rolling programme with more to come in the Clifton area.”
Miss Yeates’ mother Theresa had offered to play the role of her daughter in a reconstruction of her last known movements for TV show Crimewatch but it was reported yesterday that an actress would be used instead.
Miss Yeates was last seen alive on December 17 after drinking with colleagues at the Bristol Ram.
She was reported missing by her boyfriend Mr Reardon, 27, two days later when he returned home. Miss Yeates’ body was found dumped on a verge in Longwood Lane, between Failand and Long Ashton.
Her landlord Chris Jefferies, 65, a former teacher at Clifton College, was arrested on suspicion of her murder on December 30 but released on police bail two days later.
A team of 80 officers is working on the case and are following up more than 1,000 lines of inquiry including whether she was strangled with her own ski sock, which it is thought her killer might then have kept as a trophy.
Anyone with information about Miss Yeates’ murder should call the police on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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