Anti-knife crime initiatives gather momentum
Wigan Borough is playing its part to prevent knife violence with a range of initiatives bringing positive results.
Hundreds of knives have been handed in at disposal bins across the borough, with new disposal bin locations added in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Wigan Council’s adoption of the Let’s Be Blunt campaign – which encourages residents to use blunt-ended alternatives – is also gathering momentum.
An update on the local authority’s partnership approach was provided to the latest meeting of the full council.
Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “A range of initiatives are being delivered by the borough’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and the impact has been significant in a short space of time.
“The knife disposal bins provide a safe way to dispose of unwanted knives and reduce the risk of harm.
“We’re proud to support the Let’s Be Blunt campaign and add our voice to calls for safer knife design.
“Members of the CSP team recently attended the national Reducing Knife Harm Conference and our pioneering approach was commended.”
New knife disposal bins at the borough’s three recycling centres Kirkless (Ince), Slag Lane (Leigh) and Chanters (Atherton), have brought the total across the borough to eight.
FCC Environment Area Supervisor Tracy Roe said “We are proud to work alongside Wigan Council and the Community Safety Partnership to provide safe disposal points at our recycling centres.
“Supporting initiatives like Let’s Be Blunt demonstrates how practical measures, combined with public engagement, can make a real difference in tackling knife crime.”
Since the introduction of the bins earlier this year, more than 550 knives have been taken out of circulation.
In July, Wigan Council became one of the first local authorities to adopt and support the Let’s Be Blunt campaign, which is dedicated to reducing knife crime through practical, everyday actions.
This includes campaigning for the phasing out of sharp tipped knives and replacing them with blunt-ended alternatives. It was founded by Leanne Lucas, a survivor of the Southport attack.
In addition, Stop the Bleed kits – publicly accessible supplies to control severe bleeding until emergency services arrive – are now available at several locations across the borough
And hundreds of training sessions on life-saving skills have been hosted in partnership with emergency services partners at community and education venues, including Wigan Youth Zone.
Click here for more information about the initiatives, the location of knife disposal bins and bleed kits, and training opportunities.
