Violent crime did rise by 8 percent, but government statisticians said the rate of increase had slowed. A poor district with unemployment double the national rate of 5.1 percent, it is a center for drug dealing and recorded 14 murders last year, the highest number among London's 32 boroughs. Still, crime is not a top concern for many in the borough, which is one of the most ethnically diverse in London and is home to a thriving art scene. People are doing the best with what they've got. I just hope there will be some new initiatives if Labor gets re-elected.
People knock it, people abuse it, but it cares about people.
Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.