A bee sculpture built from guns and knives has gone on display in Barrow to highlight the dangers of violent crime.

The Manchester Bee Monument is being hosted by Drop Zone Youth Projects, a charity supporting young people across Furness, together with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police.

The hard-hitting artwork is touring the UK to help open up conversations about the risks of carrying and using firearms and knives, as well as providing a focal point for families who have lost loved ones to violent crime.

Constructed from weapons handed over to Greater Manchester Police as part of their Forever Amnesty, the bee is now on display 24 hours a day in Barrow Town Square, until Friday 22 November 2024.

The monument was made at the British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire to highlight Manchester’s stance against violence. The design was inspired by the city’s worker bee symbol. Its display in the square between Barrow Town Hall and The Forum follows the 2022 visit of the Knife Angel statue, which was constructed from thousands of knives collected in amnesties across the UK.

Drop Zone Youth Projects will be delivering anti-violence and anti-knife crime awareness sessions to young people in Barrow Town Hall on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November, and at The Forum throughout the month, to coincide with the bee monument’s display in Barrow.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said: “This is a hard-hitting reminder about the dangers of violent crime and the use of weapons.

“The arrival of the sculpture will complement the anti-violence awareness sessions being run for young people in Barrow and our work in partnership with Operation Sceptre, a national campaign which supports the work Cumbria Police carry out all year round to keep residents safe from knife crime.’’

To find out more about Drop Zone’s events including how to book, call 01229 812888.