Knife sculpture to give campaign buzz

A SCULPTURE made from handed-in knives and guns, called the Forever Amnesty Bee, is set to visit Rochdale.

The provoking anti-violence sculpture, produced by the British Ironwork Centre, will visit the borough for a week between June 27 and July 2.

It is a dedicated monument for Greater Manchester created from collected weapons from across the city-region by police as part of their ongoing amnesty campaign, ‘Forever Amnesty’.

The sculpture will be used as an educational tool and will symbolise the city region’s complete intolerance to all forms of violent behaviour.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are really pleased that the Bee is coming to our borough.

“The variety and sheer volume of weapons surrendered is a stark reminder that our need to suppress violence is an ongoing effort that requires a continual focus.

“The Bee is a tangible example of people’s positive choices against violence and shows our community commitment towards anti-violence as every weapon that forms the Bee has been surrendered during amnesty.

Throughout the week the Bee will visit youth centres in Middleton and Milnrow, the Darnhill Festival in Heywood, Rochdale football ground, Rochdale leisure centre, Rochdale Sixth Form College and also make an appearance at the Rochdale in Rainbows Youth Pride festival in Broadfield Park on Thursday 30 June.

Cllr Emmott added: “When we see the Bee, we can all reflect on its meaning to us and realise that each weapon surrendered has potentially saved a life.

“Once the Bee leaves the borough, we continue with our campaigns to keep the borough safe, such as the Safe for Summer, reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) on the Metro link and providing activities to youth groups, to help engage our younger residents and support their parents.”

More information and a list of venues can be found here: www. rochdale.gov.uk/news/ article/74/rochdalebuzzing-for-the-arrivalof-the-forever-amnestybee