Disability ramp at Lucem House unveiled to honour Len Saunders

Len Saunders, who was a popular figure in the St Helens art scene, has been honoured by the creation of a disabled ramp outside the community cinema, where he was steward.

Len, who was affectionately called Len Banana, was a popular member of the community who knew everyone that chose to visit Lucem House.

The newly installed disabled access ramp, named after Len in a special ceremony on Saturday (July 31) marks four years since his death.

The unveiling at Lucem House

Len was on his way home from the independent cinema on Corporation Street in July 2017 when was attacked on Ward Street after he refused to hand over a cigarette. He was punched in the face and knocked to the ground where he hit his head and he died in hospital nine days later on July 30.

Luke Woods, of Union Street in St Helens, was 17 at the time of the attack and he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison just a few weeks later.

Volunteer directors at Lucem House Rose Davis, Dave Morris and Grahame Sykes welcomed around 50 to the event for the unveiling.

Len's cousin Gillian Baines cut the ribbon, with Dave thanking everyone in attendance.

The unveiling at Lucem House

There was also a recital of a poem by Lucem's poet in residence Sue Gerrard.

Meanwhile, Lucem House's new Friday evening film programme resumes August 20 at 7.30pm.