Success for Knife Angel partnership project at local government awards

The LGC Awards, which were held in London on Wednesday (10 June), are among the most prestigious awards in local government, celebrating innovation, leadership, and outstanding services delivered by councils across the country. WHBC winning this award highlights the council’s successful partnership work, particularly the strong collaboration with Hertfordshire Constabulary to tackle knife crime and deliver a project with a lasting positive impact and community legacy.

The centrepiece of the project was the Knife Angel – a 27‑foot sculpture made from over 100,000 confiscated knives and recognised nationally as a symbol against violence. Its month‑long visit to Welwyn Garden City in October 2025 acted as a catalyst for coordinated action across agencies, raising awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime and empowering young people to make positive choices.

WHBC worked with a wide range of partners to deliver a powerful programme of education, prevention, and community engagement, including Hertfordshire Constabulary, British Ironwork Centre (creator and custodian of the sculpture), the NHS, Herts Fire and Rescue Service, British Red Cross, Crimestoppers, Lives Not Knives, Hearts for Herts, Watford Football Club, and Stevenage Football Club.  New partnerships were also forged with influencers and campaigners, including Everybody Loves Music, an inclusive programme for young people aged 10 to 30, and knife crime campaigner Quinton Green.

Together, partners delivered a programme of events across Welwyn Hatfield and Hertfordshire to engage residents, educate young people about the devastating impact of knife crime, and inspire positive change.

In their comments on why they chose the Knife Angel project as their winner, the LGC judges said: “This partnership took a national initiative to new levels, using a catalyst for change to not only enable instant impact but, more importantly, create long-term change in the life chances of individuals and families.  A great example of partnership work to create an immersive programme that resonated with local communities.  This included fantastic engagement with young people to develop a suite of products that are being used — and can be used — by others to have real and lasting impact.”

Councillor Rose Grewal, the Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:

“The Knife Angel project was a borough wide initiative, and I am incredibly proud that, along with our partners, we have won the LGC Award for Public/Public Partnership.  The Knife Angel’s visit to Welwyn Garden City, and its legacy through the Anti-Violence Champions, demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose.  I would like to thank Hertfordshire Constabulary and all of our partners for helping to make the Knife Angel project such a success and congratulate them on winning this award.”

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Environment, said:

“Winning this LGC award is a wonderful recognition of the real impact the Knife Angel project has had on our community.  The project sparked important conversations and brought residents and young people together to take a stand against knife crime.  Together, we’ve made a genuine difference in supporting our young people to make positive choices in their lives.”

Welwyn Hatfield’s new Chief Inspector Chris Rutter said:

“I would like to congratulate my predecessor Pete Forst for the work that he did to bring the Knife Angel to Welwyn Hatfield, and for helping to make the Knife Angel project such a success.  This fantastic collaboration had a huge impact on the local community.  My colleagues and I are proud of the work we achieved with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and our other local partners, and it is great to see the project being recognised through this award.  A huge amount of hard work was invested into the Knife Angel’s visit and its legacy continues through the Anti-Violence Champions.”

If you or somebody you know is interested in becoming an Anti-Violence Champion, visit Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website.