CALLS for tougher measures to stop corner shops selling booze to youths in London’s East End are among ideas by the public following a series of open meetings with health and local authority officials. They called for more law enforecement to stop yob behaviour

By Mike Brooke

CALLS for tougher measures to stop corner shops selling booze to youths in London's East End are among ideas by the public following a series of open meetings with health and local authority officials.

The calls are among suggestions from the public forums organised by NHS Tower Hamlets and the local authority earlier this year.

Tougher law enforcement to stop liquor sales to the under age to prevent teenage binge drinking was put forward at one meeting for families in Bethnal Green and Spitalfields.

More co-operation with police and park rangers to identify drinking 'hotspots' where youths gather was suggested at another meeting for people living in Whitechapel, Stepney Green, Shadwell and Wapping.

Anyone charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour on the streets should be referred to workshops and support groups, suggested residents at the meeting for Bow, Mile End and Bromley-by-Bow.

More education through families, religious leaders, and schools about the dangers of alcohol was put forward at the meeting for Limehouse, Millwall, Blackwall and Cubitt Town residents.

Families also wanted more education for those with alcohol problems and tips for families so they can see the tell tale signs.

Other measures included 'shock tactics' to stop people smoking such as personal stories captured on film.

The meetings allowed residents the chance to influence the way �2.4 million in public funds is being spent on extra services to help improve life in the East End.