Cheltenham will not be getting a rainbow pedestrian crossing after highway chiefs received mixed reactions to the one painted in Gloucester in 2021.
The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride and social movements.
And there have been calls to paint a rainbow crossing in the town to add to the in Commercial Road, Gloucester.
Jay Jay Potter-Peachey, former chairman of Pride in Gloucestershire, asked Cheltenham Borough Council chiefs last week for an update as a motion had been passed which supported the installation of a rainbow crossing in the town.
However, economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing cabinet member Max Wilkinson (LD, Oakley) explained that the county council told him rainbow crossings are costly when compared with other potential support that might be given to the Pride cause.
He also said they told him of the many other considerations taken into account, including safety and site selection.
“The county council concluded that it would not support or be funding a rainbow crossing in Cheltenham and, even if Cheltenham Borough Council had sufficient budget to fund a scheme, highways officers would recommend other ways to spend the money,” said Cllr Wilkinson in his written response.
“Jay-Jay may wish to consider further engagement with the county council on the subject of the rainbow crossing and other options for infrastructure and street furniture.
“In terms of potential funding from the Borough Council, there are various annual grants available that could support public engagement activities for Pride, as well as the community infrastructure levy neighbourhood fund.
“I am of course happy to meet Jay-Jay and discuss this at his convenience. I would recommend that if and when a meeting is convened, a member of the county council Highways team is in attendance.”
A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said the authority is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and fully supports communities expressing solidarity in creative ways.
“However, when it comes to the highway, our number one priority must be safety. Rainbow crossings require extensive work to make them safe for all road users and have high ongoing maintenance costs.
“We previously trialled one in Gloucester that has had mixed reactions so we are now looking at other ways to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. This month for example, we have painted the steps of Shire Hall with the progress flag.
“We would be delighted to work with Cheltenham Borough Council colleagues to pursue other even more impactful ways to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
