Kevin Jenkins

The recent revelation that over 50 per cent of Newham children are still living in poverty is not only extremely disappointing it is just not acceptable.

The first of April 2015 will be Newham’s 50th birthday, having been brought into being on April 1, 1965 by the London Government Act which merged the boroughs of East Ham, West Ham, a small area of Barking (along the River Roding) and the North Woolwich area to form Newham.

I would like to add my congratulations to all of Newham’s 16 and 18-year-olds on their outstanding educational achievements highlighted in the Recorder over the past couple of weeks.

At last the tide appears to be changing and the need for children to be able to access and experience challenging and risky activities is becoming increasingly recognised and advocated across the board from parents, relevant professionals and by children themselves.

It has been great to read the coverage by the Recorder to the achievements of Newham young people over the past months. Far too often the only time you see young people featured in the press is in a negative context. I applaud the Recorder for the proactive stance taken.

Not so long ago Newham had a strong and extensive network of generic youth clubs spread across the borough.

I have been concerned for sometime now that the welcome and essential regeneration of Newham, which is focused very much on specific areas, could result in a two-tier Newham.

Following my last column, hopefully everyone over 18 reading this will be registered to vote and deciding who to vote for tomorrow (Thursday) – polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Following my last column, hopefully everyone over 18 reading this will be registered to vote and deciding who to vote for tomorrow (Thursday) – polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

It is just 22 days until Newham has the opportunity to elect a new Mayor and council for the next four years on Thursday, May 22.