A teenager was shot a few weeks ago on Norwood Road opposite Brockwell Park.

 “There are great things about Herne Hill. It is a shame that persistent issues of crime and antisocial behaviour are holding our community back” says Kemi.

 There are no quick fixes for addressing issues of violent crime. Already the Met’s Safer Neighbourhood Team is doing a great job.

 Many of the problems we face here are a result of failed licensing laws brought in by Tessa Jowell. Unfortunately for us, she does not live in the area and does not feel the effects of her policy decisions on local people.

 Many people feel helpless that there is nothing they can do to stop the increase in gun and knife crime in this community. The law does not allow local councils to reject applications even where there are too many late-night bars in an area. It is extremely difficult to change licenses even after complaints from residents and the police.

One way to address the problem is to give local residents direct control over the types of businesses that open up locally in order to ensure we develop a local night culture that is welcoming to all the people who live in Herne Hill.

 A Conservative government would give people the power to instigate referendums on local issues such as this and give more freedom to the local councils who are accountable to the people.