Co-op tackles knife crime

A CHARITY that melts down knives taken off Britain’s streets and turns them into outdoor gyms has received a boost from the Co-op.

Steel Warriors, whose supporters include world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and Scotland Yard, has been promised a multi-million-pound investment by the supermarket.

The cash will be used to build 20 gyms across the UK.

Steve Murrells, the Co-op’s chief executive, said: ‘This will give access to free outdoor fitness equipment to those youngsters who can’t afford gyms with costly fees. It’s what we should do as a responsible retailer.’

Steel Warriors works to support communities blighted by knife crime. It was co-founded by Ben Wintour and Pia Fontes, who worked in public relations.

Wintour said: ‘We are really glad to be working with Co-op and our supporters to get more gyms built and to grow our vision into one that offers pro-active support to communities nationwide.’