POLICE, councillors and community groups have urged the public to help them combat gun crime in Waltham Forest.

The call came during a debate on ways to tackle the problem of gun crime at a meeting at Charis Christian Centre, Capworth Street, Leyton, last week.

Many panellists said that the public should get more involved in the fight against crime and make more use of their councillors, police Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs), street wardens and initiatives such as Parents Against Violence.

Cathall ward councillor Milton Martin said: "If you don't get involved in the system, then you have nothing to say. If you want to get involved, go and see your councillor."

Beaumont Estates Association chairman Brian Wilkes said: "I have been on the Beaumont estate for more than 40 years. It went downhill. Now it's on its way back again.

"We try hard to meet the community so we can find out from them what their concerns are, but people are very apathetic."

SNT Sgt Jonathan Clack urged people to contact his team if they had concerns about low-level crime in the Leyton area.

Cabinet member for community safety Cllr Afzal Akram said: "Figures show a large reduction in gun crime across the borough.

"This suggests a community taking a positive stance against gun crime."

Andrew Ellen, an elder at the centre, said he thought the event was a success and a follow-up meeting will be held to discuss the topic further.