Devon’s rainbow crossing campaigners asking for pledges of support

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The campaign to get a permanent rainbow crossing in Totnes, the first in Europe, is asking people to pledge their support.

Last year, the Proud2Be campaign laid down a rainbow crossing in Totnes for the town’s Pride celebrations and now they plan to make the crossing a permanent fixture in the town. The campaign is now seeking pledges from those who want to see rainbows on the streets of Devon.

Temporary rainbow crossings have now become a popular part of Pride events, with both Brighton and London Prides having them last year. If the campaign in Totnes is successful, however, it will be the first permanent rainbow crossing in Europe, with Vancouver in Canada having its own permanent ranbow crossing.

Jon Price, who set up Proud2Be with his twin brother Mat, said: “We have had a hugely positive response from the local and national press and the local LGBT and wider community have also been hugely supportive and excited by the proposal.”

Proud2Be already has support from the town council and the backing of the Traffic & Transport Forum. It plans to approach Devon County Council with a proposal, asking for its support.

No decision has been made so far about where the crossing will be located, with a number of areas under consideration. 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.”

Proud2Be are inviting those people who support their plans for a permanent rainbow crossing in Totnes to pledge their support via their website.