Devon town to get UK’s first permanent rainbow crossing?
The town of Totnes in Devon might be on course to get the first permanent rainbow crossing in the UK.
Special rainbow crossings have become a popular part of recent Pride celebrations, with crossings unveiled in both Brighton and London last year.
Not to be outdone, campaigners in the rural town of Totnes crowd-funded their own rainbow crossing, which was unveiled in the town last September.
The temporary crossing proved to be so popular, there are now proposals to bring it back as a permanent fixture.
Mat Price of Proud2Be said: “Totnes is a courageous town which likes to do things first.
“The permanent crossing would send out the message that Totnes is a town that celebrates diversity and encourages people to be proud of who they are.
“I believe it would raise tourist figures. It would be a landmark that could encourage diverse groups to move here and stay here.”
After gaining the support of town councillors, the group plans to take the idea to Devon County Council for approval.
No decision has been made so far about where the crossing will be located, with a number of areas under consideration.
However,Town Councillor Carol Wellwood said “If we had a rainbow crossing on either side of the memorial [in the town centre] it would help safety, encourage diversity and give people a real sense of fun.”