Pedestrian crossings in Hackney are given a rainbow makeover to mark Pride month

Pedestrian crossings in Hackney have been given a colourful makeover to mark Pride month and celebrate the LGBTQI+ community.

Cllr Carole Williams, Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs, and Tower Hamlets Cllr Kevin Brady met up to mark a rainbow crossing being painted in Hackney Road for Pride month. Picture: Gary Manhine/ Hackney Council - Credit: Gary Manhine

"Rainbow crossings" have been popping up across London with one in Hackney Road on the border of Hackney with Tower Hamlets and another in East Road, Shoreditch.

The crossings are part of Hackney Council's Hackney Pride 365 initiative, which aims to celebrate and support the borough's LGBTQI+ community all year round.

They will be in place for the next few months, coinciding with the Pride in London festival on July 6 and UK Black Pride's celebration in Haggerston Park the next day.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville joined Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs and their teams to launch them.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville, Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs and their teams met up to mark the rainbow crossing painted in Hackney Road for Pride month. Picture: Gary Manhine/ Hackney Council - Credit: Gary Manhine

Phil said: "These crossings provide a powerful visual reminder of our commitment to equality, with one linking two boroughs that clearly stand-up for diversity and tolerance. They are placed at the centre of the historically radical LGBTQI+ community of East London, which has contributed so much to the freedoms we have and enjoy today, but are also still here, taking part in the ongoing fight against prejudice that still exists."