A NEW art installation is hoping to brighten up this corner of Walthamstow, described as a “no-go zone” by residents.
Freshly installed above the International Supermarket, in Walthamstow High Street, the new steel and coloured glass structure is hard to miss.
Artist Kim Thomé, whose work has been exhibited at the V&A Museum, put the finishing touches to the piece on Saturday.
The structure will become a centre piece for the St James Street area, which is still reeling from the murder of 17-year-old Elijah Dornelly in May.
In an emotionally charged community police meeting after the killing, residents said the area had become a “no-go zone” at night.
Concerns about “violent drug dealing gangs” in the St James Street area came after a million pound scheme from the council to “transform” the area.
In February, the local authority announced it was spending £3million on “public realm improvements”.
At the time, Cllr Clare Coghill said the scheme will “make the whole area more inviting for residents and visitors”.
Shop fronts and building facades have been “revitalised”, trees planted and seating and cycle stands installed.
The council has also installed new street lighting, pedestrian and cycle crossings, road markings, signs and a cycle hub outside St James Street station.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel