By Mabel Wellman.
Did you know Southampton has two pedestrian crossings gilded in a stripe of rainbow colour, to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community?
We do! They are situated on Commercial Road and Above Bar Street near Watts Park. However, they are not well looked after, sadly.
The rainbow crossings were originally laid down in 2016, on Southampton Pride’s first ever event. So as of this weekend just gone they are officially 8 years old, and have been badly damaged by exposure to the elements and cars driving over them. This has lead to the colours of the rainbow on either side (which were already thin stripes) losing their vibrancy and being partially chipped and broken away.
In a time where Southampton is having murals such as at The Bulb created, the creation of the bus hub with a new park behind it by Arundel Tower (to be called Arundel Gardens), and more to improve the city; it only makes sense that our rainbow crossings have a touch up.
Our city has always been so richly diverse, and as we have now celebrated our 8th Southampton Pride, it is time to touch up our rainbow crossings to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community all year round.
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