Knife Attack - to close to home!

Youth Stabbing in our neighbourhood!

Perceptions of crime can be skewered and I do not want to create untoward community apprehension. However, it has recently come to light that two youths (students of Chadwell Heath Foundation School) were involved in a youth knife crime incident. I have previoulsy heard of many similar incidents on the south of the borough, but this is the first reported incident in our pleasant ward of Chadwell. Some solace can be gained from the fact that an arrest has been made and although injuries have been sustained by the victim, the wounds are not fatal. Irrespective of the fact that no life has been lost, it is imperative that we tackle the pervading social malaise of knife crime. I have been working with the Local police, ASBO team and Parks Police in trying to find a resolution.

Sgt Lowrie of Chadwell SNT has encouraged Liaquat Ali ( Redbrige Youth Services) and his team to provide the services of their Youth Bus - this has a gaming facility, DJ workshop and much more for young people to participate with in the evenings. The teams youth workers also engage with young people teaching sexual health, providing counselling and support to young people and encouraging them to be good citizens.

I am trying to secure use of Crucible Park for the activity, as it has evening lighting and would be a better venue then the initially proposed streets of Crucible Close and Millhaven Close. At the moment, I am just awaiting a response from Parks Police confirming that they would be willing to facilitate the opening and closing.

I have been involved in a long term project for a community monument promoting peace. It would be located at the site where one of our most highlighted victims tragically lost his life in a fatal knife crime incident. If you would like to know more about the project, please (click here)

Sgt Lowrie has emailed me about the post and would like me to add:

"Could you mention that the youth workers will also be attending areas identified by police to engage youths that would benefit from this bus and their facilities"

The answer to his query is of course! We all value the efforts of Sgt Lowrie and his dedicated team and I wish him luck with this and other projects. I have asked that the corner of Roxy Avenue and Chadwell Heath Lane be considered for action. I would also encourage other residents to come forward with other areas affected by youth antisocial behaviour.