Crooks' cash pays for artwork at new Blackpool police station

Local residents have helped inspire the design, which was created by Andrew Small.

The work, commissioned by police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw, features on the wall of the new West Division Police Headquarters on Clifton Road.

Blackpool arts organisation LeftCoast, community group Mereside and Friends in Action, Lancashire Police, and building contractor Willmott Dixon have all been involved in the project, which was funded using cash seized from criminals.

The piece of art, titled ‘We are all human’, represents the Mereside Windmill and was inspired by local community groups as well as local police officers who will be working out of the new building.

The blades of the artwork rotate at different speeds to indicate the number of calls typically received by the police in West Division, giving an insight into the demand that is being dealt with by officers and staff within the building.

Mr Grunshaw said: “It has been great to see first-hand how Andrew has worked with the local community and officers to get inspiration for the piece of art and I am really pleased with the result.”

Artist Andrew Small added: “I would like to thank the Mereside community and the police for placing their trust in me based on previous work, and letting the ideas evolve through a creative process.”

Sarah Threlfall, from community group Mereside and Friends in Action, said: “We have helped to make a piece of history in this new modern building, bringing together all those people who work, use or live within the area.”

“When the people from Mereside pass the artwork, they will be proud to have been involved with it, and as a community it makes us feel people respect us for who we are and what we offer as a community.”