'Let's unite our town'

Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance (REMA) has launched the Art Bomb as part of its Love is Louder project.

It has already received hundreds of knitted decorations which it will use to transform the balconies of Rotherham’s former market hall and town hall.

Emma Sharp, REMA’s public and engagement officer, said: “The project aims to bring people together who wouldn’t normally meet in everyday life.

“The town receives so much negativity and we want to try to change that and rebuild people’s relationships.”

REMA launched its Love is Louder project last September and aims to improve community relations across the borough.

Mrs Sharp said: “The negative media surrounding the town and far-right activity has led to a rise in negativity and discontent in Rotherham.

“We want to unite communities and help to put that right. We want to work towards reclaiming the town and rebuilding its damaged reputation.”

REMA is looking for donations of “colourful pieces” from people across the borough.

The yarn-bomb pieces will be installed at the end of June.

Mrs Sharp said: “We’ve already had lots of donations from lots of different communities.

“We’ve got old ladies who keep knitting us pieces for the display and we’ve also had youth groups send in pieces who are learning to knit.”

For more information or if you would like to donate to the yarn-bomb call REMA on 01709 720744 or call in at its base at The Unity Centre, St Leonard’s Road, Eastwood.