A spectacular sculpture is generating a buzz in its tour around Ellesmere Port.
The Manchester Anti-Violence Bee Monument has been made from seized knives and firearms, and is currently on tour in public spaces and schools around the town this fortnight.
In July 2020, a 7.5 tonne lorry arrived at the British Ironworks in Manchester to deliver thousands of weapons – including knives and guns – which have all been collected from the city's streets. All weapons were collected as part of Greater Manchester Police’s ‘Forever Amnesty’.
Having been originally located in Manchester, the bee is now touring the UK to offer anti-violence education, and follows the successful Knife Angel tour, which included Chester Cathedral on its list of destinations.
Ellesmere Port Police has been bringing the bee sculpture around the area over the past week, having visited Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Neston High School, Cheshire Oaks and Ellesmere Port Town Centre.
Pupils have been educated about anti-violence, knife crime, and how to keep communities safe, while in the public venues, a knife amnesty bin has been available for any knives to be discarded safely.
Ellesmere Port Police posted on social media: "If you see the ‘Bee’ about, come have a chat."
The big bee is due to remain in the Ellesmere Port area until the end of the week.
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