Issue - meetings

The meeting received feedback from the seven Area Committee Chairs on issues which had been raised at the recent round of Area Committee meetings in relation to the riots, and outlined the key themes from each Area as follows:

Tottenham and Seven Sisters

·        Concerns were raised regarding the Police’s handling of the events around Mr Duggan’s death and on the night of 6^th August, and also the level of communication provided.

·        People appreciated the authorities’ response, including the Community Assistance Centre, work to re-house those affected, response to physical damage and assistance to small traders.

·        A link was made between cuts in youth services and the riots, and this needed to be addressed.

·        There was pride in the community’s response, particularly the clean-up and donations.

West Green and Bruce Grove

·        There was a positive focus on what could have been done better, to avoid the same mistakes in future; lack of pride in the community, frustration with and poor communication from the police, a weak initial police response and an increasing sense of alienation among young people were highlighted as contributing factors to events.

·        Concerns were raised regarding education, unemployment and lack of opportunities in the area. Engagement with young people was needed, as well as funding for youth provision and a coordinated approach to regeneration, leading to sustainable jobs.

·        Residents were proud of the area and unhappy about the damage done to the community and the area’s reputation. There was a desire for Tottenham to be built back better than before.

Northumberland Park and White Hart Lane

·        People supported the work of the SNTs and recognised the different roles played by local policing and external operations. Poor communication and initial inertia from the police was felt to have caused the situation to escalate. It was felt that there was a need for a review of Police tactics, greater Police presence and more protection for property and citizens.

·        Concern was expressed about the reduction in youth services, the rise in unemployment and the disengagement of young people from society. Better support was needed, and teenagers should be given a stake in society and decision-making processes. Trust needed rebuilding between young people, the council and the police.

·        There was concern regarding poverty, deprivation, general unemployment and the bleak economic outlook. Improvements in employment, housing and regeneration were needed.

Wood Green

·        Residents responded with horror and shock to events both in Wood Green and Tottenham. Greater work with young people at a very early age was felt to be needed, via children’s centres, schools and family support, to prevent people becoming disconnected from society.

·        It was felt that a tolerance for low-level anti-social behaviour and ‘victimless’ crime had contributed, and that a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted.

·        Police were felt to have been slow to respond initially and there should be better community policing.

·        There was great pride in the borough, and its greatest asset was its people. The community remained strong and wanted to help with the restoration work, despite  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33