Council launches ‘poppy crossing’ to mark Armistice Day

The crossing - one of only a few in the whole country - will be a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and of all those who have lost their lives or family members in conflict.

The ‘poppy crossing’ is located at the pelican crossing on Middleton Road, at the junction with Peterborough Road, in Carshalton. It is the second themed crossing in the borough - the hugely popular ‘rainbow crossing’ by Sutton College and the Civic Offices on St Nicholas Way was launched in June this year to mark Pride month.

Armistice Day will be commemorated in a different way in Sutton this year due to Coronavirus and the new lockdown. Residents and veterans can pay their respects at home by observing the national two-minute silence. Photos of the borough’s lowering of the flag in Sutton town centre at 11am will also be available on the Council’s social media channels.  

Wandle Valley Councillor Ben Andrew, Vice Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment & Neighbourhood Committee, said:

“We wanted to look for imaginative ways to commemorate those who have lost their lives in war, with remembrance ceremonies being so severely disrupted due to COVID-19. This poppy crossing is Sutton’s way of showing our respect for the sacrifices made by people serving in our Armed Forces.

“This year's Armistice Day is being commemorated in a different way, and we are asking residents to 'remember at home'. However, when people are on their way to school, work or their essential shopping, we hope that this poppy crossing - one of only a few in the whole UK - will serve as a reminder of all those who lost their lives or those of their family members in conflict.”