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Ronke Martin, centre, answered questions about young people
and gangs |
Murdered Tommy's pal says knives are
for idiots
Youths condemn street violence
and call for more facilities to give them hope
A FRIEND of Kentish Town teenager Tommy Winston, who
was stabbed to death last month, has criticised the weapon culture
that led to his death.
Roujai Lestrade-Lake, 15 said: “I think it’s disgusting
that we need to be carrying weapons. People are being idiots,
they have nothing else to do.”
Roujai, of Hadley Street, Chalk Farm, was at Castlehaven Community
Centre with other youngsters last Wednesday, to grill the head
of Camden’s Youth Offending Team, Ronke Martin.
The interview was part of an afternoon organised for teenagers
worried about the rise of knife crime in the area – many
of whom have written rap lyrics to promote anti-violent behaviour.
Two weeks ago the New Journal reported on the Gospel Oak-based
youth group the Red Hot Greens who have been urging youngsters
to bin blades, and new police drive Operation Blunt, asking
teenagers to turn their backs on weapons.
Roujai also added his voice to the clamour for more youth facilities.
He said: “Youth clubs could change things. The government
say they’re doing their best but if they lived our life
for a week they’d see how hard it is for us. From Tufnell
Park to Camden there are only three clubs – Peckwater,
Thanet and Castlehaven.”
Michael Archer, 16, who lives in Kentish Town’s Farrier
Street, called for more imaginative facilities. He said: “Clubs
should offer trips and parties. It would stop fights, if kids
are among friends they are less likely to start trouble.”
Ms Martin answered questions about the perception of young people
in society and why she thought children joined gangs. She said:
“I think they want to belong, it’s about gaining a
sense of identity.”
She added: “Young people can be seen as thugs because there’s
a lack of understanding between younger and older people. There
is a great deal of work to be done.”
Ms Martin revealed an extra £310,000 had been earmarked
for young people’s facilities, to be spread over a period
of three years.
A film made of the afternoon session is due to be screened at
the Town Hall. |
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