A new mural celebrating Lancaster will brighten up a crime hot-spot in the city centre.
Chancery Lane is being given a makeover by a team of young people, police and local artists, starting today (July 27).
The alleyway running between Market Square and Church Street has been a centre for anti-social behaviour and other crime, including drug dealing and graffiti, said police.
But thanks to a project bringing together police, Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), Lancaster City Council and local school students, the lane is being tidied up, starting this week.
LISTEN to PC Sian Seddon from Lancaster Police, Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, and artists Sarah Galloway and Alan Morris from Assembly Arts talking about the project
Alan Morris, PC Sian Seddon, Tony Johnson and Sarah Galloway
In addition to the mural, the owner of the buildings which border Chancery Lane have agreed to upgrade CCTV and lighting to better improve safety and act as a deterrent to crime.
Police cadets and local artists from Assembly Arts began painting today.
The cadets painted over existing graffiti whist work began on the mural, created by students from Lancaster High School, Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, Ripley St Thomas Academy and Our Lady's Catholic College.
Ahead of this, Lancaster City Council had paid visits to deep clean the lane in preparation for the painting.
"This joint project has made a real difference to the lane and the surrounding community," said PC Sian Seddon from Lancaster Police.
"By working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to clear the area, improve its appearance and put measures in place to prevent it being used for anti-social behaviour.
“We hope these improvements will discourage further nuisance and help local residents feel safer and more confident using the space. Partnership working like this is key to tackling issues that matter most to our communities."
Chancery Lane in Lancaster
A spokesperson from Lancaster’s Business Improvement District said: “The Chancery Lane Project is a great example of how partnership working can really help.
“The police, city council and BID all knew our roles in the project and have made it happen.
"The engagement with local schools, landlords and the cadets has all been led by the police, commissioning the artwork and help connecting everyone has been led by Lancaster BID and the city council have led with general clean-up of Chancery Lane.
“All these improvements can only help in making local people feel safe and good about the place they live, work and shop.”
Members of the team working on the project pictured at Chancery Lane on Monday
Lancashire’s Partnership Against Crime also supported the project, funding the materials needed to repaint the lane.
Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, said: “LANPAC is pleased to support this community-led initiative to transform Chancery Lane into a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming space.
"By working together with local partners, schools, businesses, and volunteers, this project will help deter anti-social behaviour, encourage positive community use of the area, and create an environment that residents and visitors can take pride in.”
Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services at Lancaster City Council, said: "This project shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to make a positive difference. It is especially encouraging to see young people contributing their ideas and creativity to a project that will benefit the wider community for years to come."
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