A community-led group is leading the way in re-establishing dignity and self-worth in the area.

Newly launched Safety Champions in Tottenham work together to develop networks of volunteers to report crime to police and assist with the upkeep of resident districts.

It is intended that the scheme invoke a sense of civic pride and empowerment in men and women who feel demoralized by the run-down condition of their living spaces.

Safety champion, Karl Biddle, said: “I joined the Safety Champions because I had had enough.

“Coming out of my flat today I had to use the stairwell and there’s a door leading to the stairs and I had to push against three people who were just sleeping in that area – and that’s the only way out!

“People are just sleeping rough in the halls and the stairwell.

“There’s also lots of anti-social behaviour in the building.”

Mr Biddle urges like-minded individual to pull together and work for a greater common good before the situation worsens.

He added: “If you get enough people coming together and saying, ‘We’re not happy with this – let’s do something’ then things can change.

“And then, hopefully we can also get people in authority to listen and help us.”

Another volunteer on the project is Franklin Thomas, who has lived on Northumberland Park since 1975.

Mr Thomas said:“It used to be a much more thriving community around here, everyone knew each other, but things have changed.

“I want to be able to sit down and say, ‘This is how we used to live, it was good’ and consider how – instead of being divided – we can come back together and improve things.

“We now need to help ourselves.”

Safety Champions meet once a month at 163 Park Lane between 9:30am and 12:45pm.

Meetings are scheduled for May 16, June 13 and July 3.

If you are a local resident and would like to become a Safety Champion email tottenham.regeneration@haringey.gov.uk or telephone 020 8489 2577.