Why I will not be attending public events on the issue before the funeral

It is a sign of the times and the state of politics in Tower Hamlets that I am having to make this statement.

The stabbing and death of a young man in St. Paul’s Way is a loss not just for the family but the whole community. Now is the time to support the family and close nit neighborhood who are suffering loss and trauma. I and other Councillors have had the opportunity to give condolence to members of the family, and will continue to monitor the situation.

However, I have been approached by various people to make a short public event and photoshoot, to give ‘confidence’ to people. I will make public what I have said in private, for me the family comes first, and I personally feel uncomfortable being part of any publicity stunt, while the family are grieving and are preparing to bury the one they love.

But hard questions need to be asked and sustainable, evidence backed solutions need to be found which brings everyone together.

Strategy needs to be formulated not kneejerk responses.

Ultimately the neighborhood and the area needs more physical, human and financial investment. An area which has been left behind, for example in a recent survey I carried out, a third of the houses on the Burdett Estate had damp and water issues.

However, justice is not done by doing publicity stunts and posting pictures on social media.

ASB and Crime are a serious issue, and my record over the 12 months on the ward, I hope is evidence for residents how serious I have taken the issue.

Finally, I ask journalists and members of the public to respect the privacy of the family and give them space and time to grieve.

Your Brother,

Cllr Puru Miah
Mile End

[email protected]

Below is a some of the list of activities with regards to ASB on Mile End Ward over the last year:

  1. Beginners Guide to ASB and Crime in Mile End, Tower Hamlets Part 1 – The Picture So Far
  2. Beginners Guide to ASB and Crime in Mile End, Tower Hamlets Part 2 – Tools Available
  3. ASB on the Eric and Treby Estate: Taking on the Boy Racers of the “Mile End Mile”
  4. Update on ASB issues on Gough Walk, E14
  5. Notes on Meeting 15th August 2018 – Walk about with East End Homes