A mural has been unveiled at the site of West Ham Football Club’s former ground, with the backing of campaign group “Bike from Boleyn”.

The group formed in protest at the move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium, fearing that it could rip the soul out of the club. Alongside the unveiling of the mural, the project organises regular bike rides from the former ground, to the current. This aims to bring together local people in the community, with a passion for the club as well an eye for cycling, believing that people of all ages can get involved. Running in line with this is the idea of keeping pubs and restaurants in the Upton Park area up and running, and allow the club to stay prominent in the area.

Gerard and Liz, the founders took these ideas further as they said “ it is an initiative for local people, cyclists, and fans to come together to make sure the memories of West Ham at Upton Park are kept alive, and to celebrate the Boleyn area which we are very proud of”.

The artist responsible, Dave Nash, echoed these thoughts, stating, “this is a crucial step in terms of remembering the history of the club, especially as many people including me are not fans of the Olympic Stadium. Allowing for all fans to get involved with this initiative is crucial, and the mural will act as a focal point for people in the area to remember the stadium.”

Whilst it is clear that the move has divided opinion, it is efforts such as this from the campaign group that will perhaps alleviate these grievances and let the fans fully embrace the new stadium.