Have you seen this new knife surrender bin which has been installed in Pemberton?
It’s on Orrell Road, between Divino Italian restaurant and Momentum Sports/Nisa, as part of a month-long weapon amnesty and gives people giving people a safe way to dispose of blades and other offensive weapons—no questions asked.
The bin, funded by the Home Office and provided by the charity Word 4 Weapons in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, has been placed on Orrell Road, Pemberton (between Divino Italian restaurant and Momentum Sports). The bin will remain there until midnight on 31st July.
If you are traveling there to dispose of any weapons, we recommend parking on Queen Street, postcode WN5 0BL. The bin is facing the main road, and, as you can see on our photos, is slightly hidden by the electricity meter cupboard.
The amnesty comes ahead of new laws coming into force on 1st August, which will make it illegal to possess certain types of curved blades—commonly referred to as “ninja swords”—even in private homes. Other weapons, such as so-called zombie knives, are also covered under the legislation. Authorities are encouraging people to use the current surrender period as an opportunity to dispose of any items that will soon become illegal to possess.
Blades should be placed in a sealed bag or box before being dropped off, and no personal details are needed. The scheme is designed to encourage safety, not to criminalise.
Word 4 Weapons, the charity involved in delivering the bins, is one of the UK’s leading organisations working to reduce knife crime through education and prevention. It operates a network of secure knife bins across the country and works with young people, families, and local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.
Police say every knife taken off the streets is one less that could potentially cause harm.
“Sadly, we have all seen the devastation knife crime has caused on our streets… If you have a knife, but you do not feel comfortable handing it in at a police station, I urge you to take advantage of the bin while it’s here. One less knife on the streets is one more that cannot be used to commit violence.”
While knife crime rates in Wigan are lower than the national average, Wigan Council says action like this remains vital to keeping the borough safe.
Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “Although we know the rate of knife crime offences in our borough is lower than regional and national averages, it is a scourge to our society and can have devastating effects. A key focus for our partnership is early intervention and prevention actions on issues that we know are important to the safety and well‑being of our communities.”
Here at what’s happening in Wigan, we believe in celebrating the good in our town—and this includes supporting initiatives that protect the people who make Wigan the brilliant place it is. Schemes like this knife amnesty reflect the power of community and partnership working together for positive change.
If you’ve got a story to share, want to support our work, or just fancy getting involved—get in touch!
