Purpose

Let’s Be Blunt is a CIC, established and run by Leanne Lucas, who was the dance teacher present when Axel Rudakubana stabbed and killed three children and injured 10 other people including Leanne, at a dance party in Southport on 29 July 2024.

Along with other engagement with Leanne around education and ‘knife swap’ schemes, the campaign encourages safe disposal of knifes at Local Authority refuse sites. A successful scheme has been running in Wigan as a proof of concept. Rather that ‘weapon amnesty’ bins – these bins and associated comms via VRU and local CSPs will encourage safe disposal of unwanted knifes, and promote the wider Let’s Be Blunt campaign. We have collaborated with Suez - who will allow these bins to be located on their waste sites and will arrange safe emptying and disposal. This scheme operates in a number of areas outside GM, and no issues have been encountered in Wigan. (All bins comply with safety regulations regarding locking and ‘no return’ deposit holes). The VRU will fund 1 bin in each district based on footfall. (Most have more than 1 site - however CSPs will have the ability to purchase additional bins). Wigan have already funded their bins and the City will receive 3.

Branding will be VRU and Lets Be Blunt campaign, with QR codes directing to respective websites.

Decision

The VRU seeks authorisation to award £10,800 to Wybone to purchase 11 knife disposal bins to be placed across Greater Manchester.