The first stage in a scheme to give groups funding to improve their areas was launched in Langdon Park on Monday.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman hopes the project, which will provide a minimum of £10,000 to a total of 17 groups to be set up with the aim of giving local people a say on how their areas are improved.

Monday marked the unveiling of ‘Community Champions Coordinators’ – the first step in the establishment of ‘Community Ward Forums’ which can apply for funding under the scheme.

Mayor Rahman said: “Local people know best what their own areas need and often have fantastic ideas about how to shape where they live.

“By giving funding to these local groups, I hope that we’ll build a better borough for everyone.”

The scheme will see a series of public meetings put on for residents, each with a different subject matter up for discussion.