Brick Lane should play classical music to cut crime, according to the Green Party candidate for Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

Chris Smith, who lives off Bethnal Green Road, said it had been proven that the music can reduce crime levels by up to 30 per cent.

Mr Smith was unveiling his proposals for Brick Lane this week, which include pop-up toilets to stop public urination and an “exclusion zone” to stop the growth of chain stores like Starbucks.

Mr Smith also proposed a block on non-social housing, better lighting, a community fund and special bins for fag ends and chewing gum.

He said: “People who come to Brick Lane on Sundays for the market don’t come for Starbucks coffee.

“They come because it’s a great selection of individual stalls and food. And Brick Lane coffee is much better than Starbucks.”

He added: “We need to encourage people to come here while protecting the unique character of the area.”