Nightmare on Dulwich street: Residents cast a ‘spell’ over their road name for Halloween
Halloween is normally a time for mummies to unwind and dads to pull out the boos.
But residents of Melbourne Grove are making the most of their safer street with a spooktacular set of new road signs.
They will be having a family friendly, socially distanced Halloween hunt for the community and have given their street a makeover to match the occasion, with decorations that include gravestones, ghosts and spooky photographs.
On Saturday, they will change how they “spell” their road to Hellbourne Grave.
Cyclists and pedestrians have been dodging newly installed planters in roads around East Dulwich.
But for Halloween these residents welcome ghosts, ghouls and broomstick-users, too.
Some of the materials for the decorations were bought using crowd-sourced funds and most were handmade from recycled materials.
As well as gravestones bearing inscriptions such as ‘Yule Be Next’ and ‘I was hoping for a pyramid’, the Halloween transformation will see the road decorated with crime scene tape, carved pumpkins and skeleton feet.
Many of the residents have got to know each other through a street WhatsApp group created to keep spirits up during lockdown and as a forum for requests for help.
Witch was how the idea for the Halloween celebration sprang forth.
The hope is to lift everyone’s lockdown-weary spirits and encourage footfall to the brilliant local businesses, such as GM’s hairdresser, Il Mirto Pizzeria, Lane Eight Coffee, Fashion Conscience clothing boutique, High Vibe fitness centre and HB Therapy beauty salon.
Local resident, Mary Claire Mereuta said: “The Hellbourne Grave transformation is definitely pumpkin to be proud of. Lockdown has been tough for everyone and it’s really uplifting to see everyone come together for this.
“And we couldn’t have done it without the partial closing of the road, which has made the street a much more pleasant environment for residents, schoolchildren, shoppers and everyone passing through.
“Who knows what’s next – perhaps something for Christmas. There’s no stopping us now.”
With lack of trick or treating, the only people not having fun are dentists in the area. Fangs very much, Boris.
