Southwark Council helps Peckham’s iconic Wall of Love find new home

In the immediate aftermath of the riots a local theatre company wrote a simple message of "We love Peckham because...." on the boarded up Poundland shop on Rye Lane .  

They then began to hand out coloured Post-it notes and pens and invited people to offer messages of good will.  

The hundreds of messages quickly became an iconic image of the recovery from the riots and has been seen in newspapers and websites around the world.  

Messages posted by the public included: "...we are bigger than them", "... there are people who respect each other", "...we stand up for each other", "....we love our friends and parents" and "Don't destroy people." 

Now nearly a week after the violence, Southwark Council has carefully removed the display from the shop front and placed it in the foyer of the nearby Peckham Library where it will continue to act as a rallying point for the local community. 

Council leader Peter John, who added his own personal message on the wall saying "...because Peckham has a great future", said:  

"One ray of hope from the terrible events of the last week has been the incredible community spirit displayed by local people and businesses and their determination to not give in to the criminals who tried to destroy our neighbourhoods.  

"Few things symbolise this spirit better than Peckham's Wall of Love - an impromptu outpouring of pride and respect in our local community.  

"While we all face some serious challenges in the months ahead, I hope by displaying the wall in our library we can continue to show the world that Peckham has a great future ahead of it."  

Lucy Bradley, creative leader of theatre company Peckham Shed the original organisers behind the wall, said:  

"Inspiring leaders of all ages have come to the wall to discuss, debate and bring people together. Peckham has a proud and strong sense of community, the majority of whom want to help heal its wounds if only they'll be listened to." 

Tim McDonnell, Retail Operations Director at Poundland, said: 

"The Poundland store staff in Peckham were only too pleased to help out and support this positive action. It has been amazing how much attention the message board has received.  

"With the disheartening news throughout the week it's been fantastic to have some positive news to lift the sombre mood in the high street."  

The Wall of Love will remain in Peckham Library for the foreseeable future and the public are welcome to add further messages to it. At a later date the council will place a clear protective covering over it to allow local people to enjoy it for years to come.  

Poundland has now put up a new board where people can also continue to add their messages.