A neighbourhood watch scheme is being set up in Manor Park in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The possibility of installing CCTV in Browning Road is also being considered following a public meeting to discuss safety after a spate of muggings and anti-social behaviour in recent months.

About 70 residents attended the meeting which was held in St Barnabas Church last month.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms and police sargeant Wayne Robbens, from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, were also in attendance.

Manor Park resident Prakash Kizhekkepatt, who convened the meeting, said: “The neighbourhood watch scheme is really a positive step which can be taken by the community and hopefully we will be able to make the area a better, safer,place to live.”

He said that both the large turn out and residents’ willingness to take steps themselves to solve the area’s anti-social behaviour problems proves that they are concerned.

“Almost all of them handed in their details and said they are are willing to join the neighbourhood watch scheme which is a very positive step,” Mr Kizhekkepatt said.

Mr Timms, who helped to organise the meeting, said: “It is a step forward that we have agreed, in principle, to establish a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area. “I understand some of the residents have already agreed to meet with PCSO Roberts to receive the necessary paperwork.”

A gold chain worth £700 was snatched from around a woman’s neck while she walked through the park in July and a man died in a collision with a stolen car outside Manor Park train station in November.