Weapons arrive in Shropshire for Manchester anti-violence monument
A lorry load of weapons has arrived in north Shropshire to help build an anti-violence monument in memory of Manchester Arena terror attack victims.
The British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry received thousands of guns and knives collected from the streets of Manchester, and they will be used to make a unique sculpture.
The monument will take the form of a giant bee, taking inspiration from the symbol of solidarity used following the bombing after an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 which killed 23 people and injured hundreds.
Seonaid Mckay, marketing officer at the Ironworks, said: "The knife and gun banks used for the amnesty were designed and created here and have been utilised as a continual programme to encourage and support the public to surrender their dangerous weapons in order to clear the streets of violent and aggressive behaviour. Manchester is the first location in the UK to develop and commit to an ongoing amnesty project like this, with all collected weapons to be used to create an anti-violence monument for the city.
"The variety and sheer volume of weapons delivered to the Ironworks was a stark reminder that our need to suppress violence is a continual effort that requires a continual focus.
"The piece that we create for Manchester will be their first and only anti-violence monument created from recovered weapons, so it will be entirely unique on many fronts. Directed by the Greater Manchester Police, we have already submitted concept drawings showcasing what the monument could look like using the weaponry that they have delivered to us.
"Taking inspiration from Manchester’s bee symbolism, the monument will take on the form of a giant bee, watching over the city and providing a permanent reminder of their stance against violent and aggressive behaviour. It will be used by not only the GMP but also different groups all across the city, and the wider region, as an educational tool to symbolise Manchester’s intolerance to all forms of violence.
"A suitable location for the monument is still yet to be decided upon but, of course, it will be placed in a very prominent position where the maximum number of residents and visitors will be able to view and appreciate it.
"Meetings and dialogue with GMP will continue to refine this project and will hopefully see a final design, location, and timeline for completion being decided upon soon. Currently, we are also in conversation over Manchester hosting the Knife Angel – which is predicted to be in August 2021."
