Manchester Bee highlights sting of violence and anti-social behaviour

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working with Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit to bring the Manchester Bee to Ellesmere Port.

The sculpture is the first in the UK to be made of firearms as part of an anti-violence programme aimed at reducing violence and anti-social behaviour by young people.

It will tour around the town from 24 June to 6 July and will also engage all primary school year 6 students who are transitioning to high school this year.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Pride and Community Safety, Councillor Stuart Bingham said: “This impressive three metre high sculpture was created from weapons including knives and guns collected from the streets of Manchester. Having originally been situated in the city, the bee is now touring the UK to offer anti-violence education. Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week begins on 30 June and the Bee sculpture is a striking way to get the message across to young people.

“The Council’s Youth Service team has developed an age-appropriate discussion programme to be delivered in school for Year 6 children. This will support with personal safety, resilience and empowerment and we hope that seeing the Bee up close will reinforce the messages they will discuss.”

The sculpture can be seen at the following locations around Ellesmere Port, it will be transported by the Council’s StreetCare team:

Thursday 26 June – 11:00 – 14:00 – Hope Farm Shops Car Park, Randle Meadow
Friday 27 June – 11:00 – 14:00 – Ellesmere Port Civic Square
Monday 30 June – 11:00 – 14:00 – Whitby Park Car Park
Tuesday 1 July – 11:00 – 14:00 – Little Sutton British Legion Car Park 15:00 – 19:30 - Ellesmere Port Civic Square
Wednesday 2 July – 11:00 – 14:00 – Westminster, location tbc
Thursday 3 July – 11:00 – 14:00 – Ellesmere Port Civic Square
Friday 4 July – 11:00 – 14:00 – Ellesmere Port Civic Square
Saturday 5 July – Neston
Sunday 6 July - Cheshire Oaks