A summer pilot scheme to help build community cohesion and tackle crime has been set up in the borough.
\nA planning group consisting of the police, victim support and various voluntary sector organisations have been working with Tower Hamlets Council\u2019s youth services to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour.
\nSummer Night Lights, a violence reduction programme originally launched in Los Angeles in 2008, addresses \u2018peak offending\u2019 during the holiday period by boosting positive activities suitable for everyone.
\nIt will involve 18 events, all of which will serve hot food, which has proven a great way to encourage the community to come together and is similar to tactics used in America.
\nAs well as a barbecue, other activities which will vary between the sites include a bouncy castle, fairground games, wall climbing, dance classes, graffiti projects and many competitions.
\nMayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been working hard with our partners to develop a series of events that not only builds community cohesion but allows us to work together in reducing crime and disorder.
\n\u201cEach event has been strategically placed over the six week summer period and runs between hours identified as peak offending times. By doing this we are able to encourage positive participation amongst our whole community with free family events.\u201d
\nThe scheme has been designed to engage the whole community and is currently being piloted in seven London boroughs with the aim of evaluating and developing the project before potentially rolling it out across London.
\nChief Inspector for neighbourhood policing, Mark Long, said: \u201cWe will have local police officers onsite and available to talk to residents on any police related matters such as anti-social behaviour or crime issues.
\n\u201cThe officers will also be taking part in the organised community events throughout the evening and we will have some of our equipment and support services on show to demonstrate the complexity of policing today.\u201d
\nIn the US the project has helped achieve a significant reduction in violence within areas and has also helped develop a stronger bond amongst the community.
\nDevon\u2019s Road, Shadwell, Whitechapel and the Collingwood Estate areas have been highlighted as areas which could benefit from the additional support and resources available through this project.
\nCabinet member for Children Services, Cllr Gulam Robbani, said: \u201cTower Hamlets is a vibrant and dynamic area which allows us to come together and celebrate our diversity at events like these. Each venue has a different mix of activities and sessions created to appeal to all young people and their families.\u201d
\nAll sessions are free and booking is not required. For more information visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk\/youth or contact the numbers below.<\/p>\n
BIGLAND GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
\nBigland Street, E1 2ND<\/p>\n
Friday 1 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 2 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Sunday 3 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
For more information call Asik Miah on 07817 222 042<\/p>\n
ROPEWALK GARDENS
\nChristian Street, E1 1NL<\/p>\n
Friday 8 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 9 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Sunday 10 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
For more information call Asik Miah on 07817 222 042<\/p>\n
LINCOLN ESTATE
\nLinc Centre, 70 Fern Street, E3 3PR<\/p>\n
Thursday 14 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Friday 15 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 16 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Thursday 21 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Friday 22 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 23 August 4-10pm<\/p>\n
For more information call Shabul Miah on 07940 978 798<\/p>\n
COLLINGWOOD ESTATE
\nCollingwood Hall, Collingwood Street, E1 5RT<\/p>\n
Thursday 28 August 3-8pm<\/p>\n
Friday 29 August 4-11pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 30 August 2-8pm<\/p>\n
Thursday 4 September 4-10pm<\/p>\n
Friday 5 September 4-11pm<\/p>\n
Saturday 6 September 2-7pm<\/p>\n
For more information call Noor Uddin on 07961 898 339<\/p>\n