THE POWERFUL symbol of the impact of knife crime, the Knife Angel sculpture, will remain in Sandwell until the end of November.

The 27-foot-tall monument, which is made from over 100,000 surrendered knives, was installed in Oldbury Civic Square on October 2.

The Knife Angel is regarded as the national monument against violence and aggression and is transported to a different town or city in the UK each month as part of a national anti-violence tour.

However, Sandwell Council have announced that the sculpture will now remain in Oldbury for an additional month, giving residents more time to see the impressive artwork in person and reflect on the impact of knife crime in the community.

Following the news of the Knife Angel’s extended stay, Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: "So many people have visited the sculpture which is a powerful representation of the devastating effects of knife crime and a symbol of hope, remembrance and change.

"We were given the opportunity to extend the Knife Angel’s stay in Sandwell for an extra month before it moves to its next location.

“The presence of the Knife Angel has provided a platform for everyone in Sandwell to engage and help shape how we stop knife crime.

"We have had great feedback so far, especially from schools, so this gives us a chance to do even more to engage our local community on this vital topic."

Sculpted by Alife Bradley and conceived by the British Ironwork centre, the Knife Angel was first unveiled in 2018 and intends to continue to spark a national dialogue about violence, the impact of knife crime and the importance of choosing peace over violence.

The thought-provoking monument was brought to the borough by Sandwell Council and the Safer Sandwell Partnership, working with British Ironwork Centre, West Midlands Police and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.

The Knife Angel’s stay in Sandwell will culminate in a reflective closing ceremony at a date that has not yet been confirmed.