The long, hot school summer holidays are around the corner and what many of us in the past have considered to be the best times of our lives, no longer holds true for a frightening large number of children.

A recent report from the highly respected Childhood Trust – A Summer Holiday From Hell, found that among children living in poverty - and don’t forget 43.2 per cent of Newham’s child population are living in poverty (End Child Poverty Report 2018), 66pc of children and young people would go hungry if a charity did not provide meals during the holidays.

§And 54pc of children and young people are frightened of being attacked and/or exploited by gangs during the summer holidays, 90pc of children and young people will not go on holiday.

The position in Newham, is I fear, far worse than previously. Although there will be some constructive and structured holiday projects and opportunities taking place, there will be fewer than the previous years and the level of need.

Local councils with central government need to re-establish a network of funded community based youth and play projects across each neighbourhood, based in schools, community buildings and open spaces, free at the point of access, offering play activities, sports, games, arts and crafts etc, in an environment that safe for children.

The cost of providing such a network would be small in the overall expenditure of councils and central government, but what should be concerning them more, is the enhanced risks vulnerable children will be facing over the summer and the potential personal cost to them of not having a safe place to go.