Express & Star comment: Unity needed over knife crime

The displays, which honour Britain’s war dead as part of the commemorations of the Armistice centenary, initially appeared on town and village halls, and war memorials around the region.

But now the public has got involved, and hundreds of incredible poppy displays are emerging in our communities.

All across the region, people have decorated their parks, village squares and now even the outside of their homes in the most spectacular fashion.

It just goes to show the deep respect that people have for those brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect this great country. We often use the phrase ‘lest we forget’ on Remembrance Day, clearly our communities have not.

And tonight, as over the weekend, we have seen communities come together for the Bonfire Night celebrations. Families, neighbours and friends gathered in good humour and spirit to enjoy some spectacular fireworks displays.

So far all have passed without incident and simply brought the community together.

The community spirit in the Black Country and this region is well documented. Pride in our roots, respect for our communities and a generosity towards those in need - this is an area that cares.

Yet another weekend has passed bringing news of shocking violence and bloodshed.

In West Bromwich we have seen the death of a 60-year-old woman while two schoolboys have been hurt in a drive-by shooting in Handsworth.

The soaring knife crime and a growing list of tragic victims is an ongoing worry but now we have 14 and 15-year-old children being shot in the street.

Fully aware of this crisis in our community, the Express & Star has been vocal in putting pressure on police to tackle the knife menace and instrumental in getting Zombie knives banned. We have openly criticised the courts who fail to provide sufficient deterrent to stop people, particularly young men, carrying knives.

But the problem needs to be tackled in our communities too. Young people need to know that carrying knives is not acceptable, gang culture is not acceptable, that we do not want any more blood lost on our streets.

Parents need to ram this message home, make sure they know where their children are and who with. Friends and neighbours must not cover for those who carry knives who carry out terrible and often deadly stabbings. They must be reported to the police, it is vital we get knives off our streets for all our sakes.

In this region we should be grateful for our admirable communities and sense of civic pride. If we come together we can help defeat the evil within our communities and beat gang and knife crime.