Glasgow City CouncilTributes left at locations across Glasgow as part of vigils in the memory of murdered Sarah Everard are being removed to preserve them in a “manifesto for change”.
On Saturday, March 13, notes, letters and ribbons were tied to gates and lampposts at Kelvingrove Park, Queens Park, George Square and the Mary Barbour Statue in Govan.
Following warnings that those involved could face fines of up to £10,000 if large groups were to congregate, Reclaim These Streets Glasgow asked those wanting to pay their respects or protest the treatment of women to leave a ribbon in solidarity.
Hundreds of ribbons and notes were left across the city following the alleged kidnapping and murder of the 33-year-old who was walking home from a friend’s on March 3.
Reclaim These Streets Glasgow said: “We have been incredibly overwhelmed by the positive response, and it is clear that the people of Glasgow can relate to Sarah Everard’s story. Thank you for taking the time to write notes, to email, to light candles, to tie ribbons, and to share your own experiences.”
The group intends to collate the tributes into a “physical and digital manifesto for change”.
Glasgow City Council said staff, along with volunteers, would be removing the tributes to protect them from the weather and deliver them to the organisers of the vigils.
London’s Metropolitan Police has faced criticism over its handling of a vigil in Clapham Common, in the south of the city close to where Ms Everard had last been seen, on Saturday night.
Home Secretary Priti Patel and London mayor Sadiq Khan have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The vigil spots across Glasgow saw hundreds pay their respects to Ms Everard or share their experiences of male violence with “minimal police presence”.
Reclaim These Streets Glasgow said: “We want to finish with a huge thank you to everyone again for your continued support, yesterday was an absolute success in Glasgow.
“But there is still work to be done, and we hope that people will continue to get involved in this conversation and continue to challenge the behaviours that our society has allowed to continue for generations.”
A petition set up on Sunday calling for improved lighting at Kelvingrove Park has received over 2000 signatures.
It urges Glasgow City Council to increase street lighting to help women feel safer when they are walking home.
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