Water giant Thames Water has unveiled a rainbow 'Pride' drain cover to mark its commitment to being a diverse and inclusive organisation.

The cover sits outside Twickenham Stadium and uses the rainbow colours, which have come to represent the LGBTQ+ community.

Some may see the use of a drain cover as an unusual mark of support, however the company insists it will send a powerful and visible public message.

Richmond borough council has previously introduced a number of rainbow crossings, which has proved to be a more obvious mark of support to the local LGBTQ+ community.

Some may see the use of a drain cover as an unusual mark of support, however the company insists it will send a powerful and visible public message.

Thames Water said the Pride access drain cover is the third one it has commissioned and is designed 'to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the company's workforce and the customers and communities it serves'.  

The firm said: "The cover, located near Whitton Road in front of the stadium, has been painted in the rainbow colours which are symbolic of the LGBTQ+ movement along with black and brown to represent LGBTQ+ people from black and Asian backgrounds. 

"The unique design also includes LGBTQ+ symbols along with the logos of Thames Water and the cover manufacturers, Wrekin Products and the slogan 'Every rainbow needs a little water to shine'."

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The words, chosen by Thames Water employees, link to the company's core purpose of water management and expresses how communities shine and thrive because of the diversity within them. 

The company has installed rainbow covers in Reading and Swindon where it has supported local annual Pride events.

It has also previously commissioned two commemorative drain covers in London to mark the clearing of the infamous 2017

The company has installed rainbow covers in Reading and Swindon where it has supported local annual Pride events.

Emily Goren, Chair of Thames Water Pride Network said: "We are delighted to be unveiling this unique cover at Twickenham Stadium. We're proud to be an inclusive employer and want our workforce to represent the communities we serve. 

"The drain covers are there for all to see and are a perfect canvas to promote our values. This is a highly visible statement piece which reflects our appreciation to our LGBTQ+ employees and customers. 

"We'd like to thank our partners at Wrekin for making the cover and Cappagh for installing it for us and are proud to be part of a collaboration which works to support the LGBTQ+ community.

"Whilst the cover will be a functional part of our wastewater network, we also hope people will be able to enjoy the artwork and LGBTQ+ members of the public feel seen and valued." 

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