Sad News For Norbury Yarn Bombers

Image courtesy of the Croyden Advertiser

Bombing yarn not people is a concept that the world could certainly benefit from. Sadly when knitters in Norbury, part of the London Borough of Croydon, yarn bombed the town's high street with knitted decorations to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday, Transport For London (TfL) took exception and ordered their removal.

Why? The Croydon Advertiser reported it was because "they could distract drivers". Should all billboards and advertising by the road be banned then? Or is it just knitting that is distracting?

Over 30 crafty volunteers spent six months knitting up the red, white and blue decorations. During June's bank holiday they adorned the high street with their work to put a smile on people's faces. They topped bollards with patriotic hats and wrapped red white and blue tubes around bike racks. After the celebrations the group had planned to wash the knitting and use them to make scarves, blankets and hats for charities supporting refugees and homeless people.

After a week TfL ordered street cleaners to remove the decorations. Fortunately a few pieces were saved and will be sold for charity.

Future yarn bombers are advised to inform the authorities before they display their work - rather takes the spirit and fun out of it don't you think?