TEENAGERS organising a peace march against gang crime in Edmonton have called for local people to join them.

Groups at the Craig Park and Croylands Youth Centres have joined forces for the event on June 18 in an effort to show that many young people are united against the postcode war blighting the area.

The organisers hope hundreds of people will turn up for the march from Pymmes Park to Edmonton Green.

Youth worker Jason Thompson, 19, said: “We are doing this to demonstrate how we feel about our area and to try to put an end to gang culture.

“We want to reach out wider community and let people know how we are trying to help.”

He added that an ongoing battle between gangs from the N9 and N18 postcodes has led to youngsters being caught up in crime – 15-year-old Negus McClean was stabbed to death by a group of youths on bikes in April.

But by youth groups from the two areas coming together to form the Unity Peace March, they hope to encourage their peers to engage more with the community.

Christian Odamtten, 17, said: “We wanted to start a group that could lower the rivalry between the two areas.

“There's a lot of knife crime and we want to show that there are young people in Edmonton who are willing to make a stand and do positive things for the community.”

The march will culminate with an information event for parents in Edmonton Green by the Nelson-Williams Foundation, with local youth organisations and theatrical performances providing advice and entertainment.

Mr Thompson added: “If you're a young people involved in gangs and you don't know what to do – we are here and we can help to find work and set examples for others to change.”

The day starts at 10am at the corner of Sweet Briar Walk and Silver Street in Pymmes Park.

Councillor Bambos Charalambous, Enfield's cabinet member for youth, said, “This is a positive approach to serious youth crime led by young people who want to show that they are making a powerful contribution to prevent it and are determined to build a safer community.”

To get involved, call the Craig Park Youth Centre on 0208 803 8292 or the Croylands Youth Centre on 0208 351 8320, or click here to join the Facebook group.