The "inspiring and lifesaving" efforts of an anti-knife crime activist were praised by Rachel Maclean MP at the opening of a new youth community centre.

On Friday, April 5, she visited Pete Martin’s new facilities, located behind The Old Needleworks on Britten Street.

Starting from Monday (April 15), the gym and youth centre will offer a range of services, including self-defence classes, recreational boxing, martial arts classes, anti-knife crime support, victim support, free teens classes, domestic abuse support, and 1-2-1 sessions in all disciplines.

 

 

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Mrs Maclean said: "I’ve worked with Pete for a number of years now and I’ve seen first-hand the work he has done to tackle knife crime in our town.

"Pete’s new facilities will enable him to continue his inspiring and lifesaving work, helping to ensure Redditch remains a safe place to live."

Mr Martin said: "Our new Youth Centre will provide training and positive activities for young people in Redditch.

"We are not just a gym; we provide support in many different ways."

He added: "Funding from Mayor Salman Akbar helped us set up and we open for business on April 15th.

“Redditch is a great place to live and most of the young people that live here are great too.”