Artwork installed at Birmingham Cathedral to remember road crash victims

Bereaved relatives have worked with young offenders to create an artwork raising awareness of road crash victims.

The installation, displayed on railings outside Birmingham Cathedral, features photos of people killed on the roads and a link to a tribute website.

The cathedral is holding a vigil at 14:00 BST for grieving families and others involved in the project.

Lucy Harrison from RoadPeace said participants had “shown immense bravery” and had “challenging conversations” to reach a common goal.

The partnership came after a priest “deeply disturbed” by city road deaths reached out to RoadPeace to collaborate.

RoadPeace, the national charity for crash victims, has previously worked with young offenders on restorative justice initiatives.

The piece of art was commissioned at a meeting in February and families of 40 crash victims have taken part.

The charity said “Peace in the Park” was intended to provoke a conversation about the need to do more to end unnecessary road deaths and injuries.

Ms Harrison added: “The bereaved families and the young people involved in this project have all shown immense bravery and taken part in challenging conversations in an effort to understand each other.”

Andy Delmege, Canon Missioner at the cathedral, said: “As a person of faith I am deeply disturbed by the number of people killed and injured in our city in road traffic collisions.

He said it had been a pleasure to work with RoadPeace and the Youth Offending Service to “seek a city where all can travel safely”.

The Youth Offending Service said the initiative had been “powerful” for both staff and children.

“This has helped to raise children’s awareness about the wide-reaching impact and consequences of dangerous driving,” said team manager Davina Fendall.

Campaigners are walking seven miles (11.3km) down the canal from Kings Norton to the service, with participants asked to wear purple.

The installation will be in place until 5 June, after which it will tour other venues.