Community panel delivers verdict on progress since Tottenham riots

A previously unseen photograph of firefighters battling ferocious flames in the Tottenham riots last August. Picture: Lewis Whyld/PA

by Tim Lamden Wednesday, August 8, 2012
3:16 PM

One year on from the riots, a panel of community leaders from Tottenham has delivered its verdict on how much progress has been made in the area since the carnage of August 6, 2011.

The independent Community Panel, comprised of figures from business, faith groups, education, youth organisations and the council, was launched in the wake of the riots to examine the challenges facing Tottenham and offer recommendations for change and regeneration.

To mark the first anniversary of the disorder, the panel has released a report on where it feels progress has been made and where more needs to be done.

It says progress has been made in securing investment in regeneration projects, in Haringey Council’s commitment to creating jobs, in the work of organisations providing opportunities for young people in Haringey, as well as the funding identified to deliver the new youth strategy for Haringey.

The report also praises Haringey police for its reduction in stop and searches.

However, it advises more needs to be done to ensure the community is involved in training police, and that officers should be given more flexibility to ensure the best of them stay in Haringey.

In addition, the report urges Metropolitan Police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe to deliver his review of community engagement.

It also heralds Gladesmore School for their Everybody Dreams song and its positive message about Tottenham.

But the panel note that the pace of change needs to be accelerated and communicating progress should be better.

They also insist pressure should be put on developers and businesses in Tottenham to ensure they employ local people.

Cllr Richard Wilson, leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats, said the council needs to “prioritise” young people, as well as communities, for a “lasting legacy” to be achieved.