A GROUP set up to try and improve services for young people in Edmonton is holding a youth conference this weekend.

The Independent Edmonton Green Development Committee (IEGDC) is billing the event as its first annual conference.

It will deal with youth violence, policing and the lack of youth resources.

Omar Days, from the IEGDC, said: "In this climate of violent attacks against young people, we feel that it is even more vital that Edmonton's youth are given the tools to interact with each other in a safe and productive environment."

He said the conference is aimed at giving young people a voice and influence over the things they have to do and places they can go.

The IEGDC says violence amongst young people is a growing but preventable problem that threatens young people's development and can undermine quality of life.

The committee has asked Joanne McCartney, London Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey at the Greater London Authority, to chair the meeting, and has extended invites to Edmonton MP Andy Love and representatives from Enfield Council.

The conference will be held at the Green Towers Community Centre, off Plevna Road, Edmonton Green, on Saturday, March 29.

It follows a commitment made by Cllr Ertan Hurer in February to put £600,000 back into youth services lost as part of the area's redevelopment.

It is a free, half-day event beginning at 1.30pm.

Email iegdc@blueyonder. co.uk for more information.