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By CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
 

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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