Monday, July 27, 2026
Chancery Lane in Lancaster’s city centre has been a hotspot for drugs, ASB and other criminality, and previously subject to rude graffiti, making it an unpleasant and at times unsafe place. However, a new project from Lancaster Police aims to change that.
Bringing together local police, Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), Lancaster City Council and local school students the aim is to tidy up the lane and create a new mural which celebrates Lancaster. In addition to the mural, the owner of the buildings which boarder Chancery Lane have agreed to upgrade CCTV and lighting to better improve safety and act as a deterrent to crime.
That work started today (Monday, 27 July 2026) as Police Cadets and local artists from Assembly Arts came along to begin painting. The Cadets painted over any existing graffiti whist work began on the mural, created by students from Lancaster High School, Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, Ripley St Thomas Academy and Our Lady's Catholic College.
Ahead of this, Lancaster City Council had paid visits to deep clean the lane in preparation for the painting.
PC Sian Seddon from Lancaster Police said:
"This joint project has made a real difference to the lane and the surrounding community. By working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to clear the area, improve its appearance and put measures in place to prevent it being used for anti-social behaviour.
“We hope these improvements will discourage further nuisance and help local residents feel safer and more confident using the space. Partnership working like this is key to tackling issues that matter most to our communities."
A spokesperson from Lancaster’s Business Improvement District said:
“The Chancery Lane Project is a great example of how partnership working can really help.
“The Police, City Council and BID all knew our roles in the project and have made it happen. The engagement with local schools, landlords and the cadets has all been led by the police, commissioning the artwork and help connecting everyone has been led by Lancaster BID and the city council have led with general clean-up of Chancery lane.
“All these improvements can only help in making local people feel safe and good about the place they live, work and shop.”
Lancashire’s Partnership Against Crime also supported the project, funding the materials needed to repaint the lane.
Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, added:
“LANPAC is pleased to support this community-led initiative to transform Chancery Lane into a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming space. By working together with local partners, schools, businesses, and volunteers, this project will help deter anti-social behaviour, encourage positive community use of the area, and create an environment that residents and visitors can take pride in.”
Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services at Lancaster City Council, said:
"This project shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to make a positive difference. It is especially encouraging to see young people contributing their ideas and creativity to a project that will benefit the wider community for years to come."