A NEW art installation reflecting on the lives taken in road traffic collisions has been set up in Great Malvern.
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has partnered with RoadPeace, a national charity for road traffic collision victims, to bring the Peace in the Park campaign to Priory Park.
RoadPeace offers a number of support services for those affected by road crashes, including a peer support group for those bereaved in the West Mercia region.
Lucy Harrison, RoadPeace West Mercia Group Coordinator said: “The RoadPeace Doves highlight the unacceptable toll of road death, and remind everyone that victims are more than statistics.
“We hope the doves will provoke conversation and action to prevent future deaths.”
The installation, available to view until June 27, features pictures of people killed in road traffic collisions on a series of doves (the logo of RoadPeace). The doves represent peace, love, and hope.
The aim is to raise awareness of the need to do more to stop unnecessary deaths and injuries on the roads.
The doves were made by the Birmingham Youth Justice Service. The service brought together young people involved in driving crimes, family members bereaved through road crashes and colleagues of project partner CFG Law.
Abbie Brooks, RoadPeace West Mercia Project and Outreach Coordinator added: “It is incredibly poignant to see so many loved one’s photos displayed on the artwork and allows an opportunity to highlight the unacceptable number of victims whose lives have been taken on our roads.
“I hope members of the public viewing the doves remember that behind each one of these photos is a life lost, and understand that road crime is real crime.”
An outreach day with RoadPeace and MHDC’S Community Services will be held soon to talk to the public about the artwork, the support available and the actions people can take to campaign for road danger reduction.
Jennie Watkins, portfolio holder for communities and housing at MHDC, said: “We are proud to be part of such an important initiative.”
The event takes place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, June 7, at the Bandstand in Priory Park, Great Malvern.
Visit www.roadpeace.org to find out more.
