Gang violence fear over shake-up of youth clubs

 
28 March 2012

Gang violence could increase in Tower Hamlets if plans to shake up youth clubs go ahead, a headteacher has warned.

The council is set to take charge of all youth clubs in the borough, which are currently run by three schools and two affordable housing groups. But the head of one of the schools said the decision will ruin all the work that has been done to combat racism and gang violence in the area.

Tower Hamlets council took the decision to contract out the running of youth clubs in 2001. A spokeswoman said the new “integrated” system, which will see the council taking charge of all the clubs, will be cheaper and more efficient.

But Kenny Frederick, principal of George Green’s school in the Isle of Dogs, said when she took over running the clubs they were segregated along racial lines and girls did not attend, and she fears this will happen again.

She said: “There was a great deal of anti-social behaviour on the island in the evenings and at weekends. This has completely changed, clubs are now well attended by young people from all ethnic and racial groups.

“We have worked in partnership to tackle gang warfare and have been extremely successful. This is a constant struggle that is only possible because of the partnerships we have established.

“To break up such a successful and thriving service would be beyond the comprehension of the local community and the young people themselves.”

A Tower Hamlets council spokeswoman said nobody using the youth clubs would notice any differences because the changes would happen at management level.

She added: “Tower Hamlets Council is looking to put in place an efficient and integrated provision for youth services.”

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