ROADS in Taunton will be closed to traffic today for the unveiling of a statue.

The Knife Angel, a 27ft-tall sculpture which aims to raise awareness of the negative effects of violence and aggression, is being unveiled in the county town today (April 3) at 1pm.

It will then reside outside Market House, in Fore Street, until April 30 as part of a nationwide tour.

Roads in the town centre will be closed in the town centre for the ceremony.

Routes set to be closed to traffic include The Bridge, North Street, part of Corporation Street, Hammet Street and East Street.

Planned road closures in Taunton for the Knife Angel unveiling. Picture: Somerset Council

The Knife Angel, which weighs in at 3.5 tonnes, was created by the British Ironwork Centre using 100,000 knives taken off UK streets.

Following an increase in knife crime since 2014, Clive Knowles, chair of the centre, developed the idea of creating an angel made entirely from knives, which were collected during amnesties held by UK police forces.

The aim was to highlight the issue of knife crime and all forms of violence, plaguing the nation.

READ MORE: 27ft-tall Knife Angel heading for Taunton

Alfie Bradley, an employee at the centre at the time, was tasked with sculpting the Angel alongside the ironworks’ team.

In Taunton, the GoCreate Community Interest Company (CIC) has organised a Ribbons of Reflection initiative to mark the angel’s stay.

GoCreate is producing three site-specific art installations in the town centre as part of the Knife Angel project, offering reflection and public interaction to promote awareness as well as inclusion.

People are being encouraged to take part by adding a ribbon to designated areas in Castle Green, The Knife Angel site and Taunton Minster.

Ribbons can be collected from Taunton Visitor Centre, the Museum of Somerset and Taunton Minster, free of charge.