Knife Angel sculpture goes on display in town
A sculpture made from 100,000 knives has arrived in Weston-super-Mare.
The 27ft (8m) Knife Angel - created from blades seized by police - was designed to highlight the devastating effect of knife crime on people's lives.
It tours the country to spread the message and after spending April in Taunton, it will stand in Weston's Italian Gardens until 30 May.
A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: "Serious violence including knife crime is of concern in all communities."
The sculpture has been transported around the country since 2017 and is expected to arrive in Bristol in early 2025.
Created by the British Ironwork Centre, the organisation wanted to "educate children and adults about the harmful effects that violent behaviour has on communities".
A North Somerset Council spokesperson, said: "While the statue is with us throughout May, we hope its presence will serve as a catalyst for us, and our partners, to focus on violent crime through a month of action."
Workshops, art installations and community engagement days will be hosted by the council to coincide with the sculpture.
Councillor James Clayton, executive member for safety in the community, said "statistically" Weston does not have an issue with knife crime.
"But that's not to say it won't come to Weston-super-Mare," he said.
"It's a bit like an epidemic at the moment around the country so we want to take the steps and precautions necessary to be proactive."
He said the statue "does exactly what it intends to do".
"People will look at that and I think the message will hit home."
