MAJOR city figures have welcomed news that a date has been confirmed for when a unique sculpture fashioned from 100,000 knives will go on display outside Coventry Cathedral.
As we reported, the 27-foot high Knife Angel is touring the country to raise awareness of knife crime and send a message to prevent violence in the future.
And it has now been confirmed it will be in Coventry from March 11 until early April.
It was designed by sculptor Alfie Bradley of the British Ironworks Centre (BIC) based in Oswestry.
BIC chiefs want to see the Knife Angel become a ‘national monument’ against violence and aggression.
Mr Bradley was said to be inspired by hearing of the country’s dwindling police forces struggling to contend with rising knife crime.
BIC and Mr Bradley then teamed up with the 43 police forces across the country so that the blades they recovered could be used to bring the concept to life.
It took four years to build after permission was granted by the Home Office to collect the knives.
About a third of the knives received from police forces had blood on them and were transported in bio-hazard tubes.
Bishop of Coventry, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said: “The Knife Angel is a stark reminder of a form of violent crime infecting our city and threatening lives with great danger, especially our young people.
“It also speaks the Coventry story – that weapons of hate and destruction can be re-worked into symbols of peace and hope, signalling a new future where violence is overcome.
“Together with people of every faith and none, we will not only care for the bereaved of such crimes but do all we can to build the sort of culture that eradicates their causes.
“I’m really glad that the Knife Angel will stand near St Michael, the guardian angel and patron of Coventry’s Cathedral.”
Chief superintendent of Coventry Police Mike O’Hara said: “West Midlands Police cannot tackle knife crime without the support of partners and the community.
“The Knife Angel is symbolic of the support we have and the commitment we have from the people and groups I have spoken to.
“As well as standing alongside all those affected by knife crime we want to urge those who carry knives to recognise the pain they cause themselves and others as we work to a day when we truly see peace in our streets.”
Cabinet member for housing and communities Councillor Ed Ruane said: “I am sick and tired of watching central government ignore the impact austerity is having on our communities.
“We need change, that’s why the Knife Angel is so important. We need to show what peace and reconciliation really means to our young people growing up in communities where violent crime is ever increasing. We need to provoke a conversation.”
