East End markets and high streets are ‘crime-ridden and slowly dying’

'Crime-ridden': Police detain a man suspected of handling stolen goods during the raids near Brick Lane
Lucy Young
Ruth Bloomfield7 April 2017

Some of the East End’s most famous markets and high streets are dirty, crime-ridden and slowly dying, according to a damning report.

Brick Lane suffers from high levels of crime, significant numbers of empty shops and its traders and shopkeepers are seeing their turnovers decline.

The report, commissioned by Tower Hamlets council, also criticised Whitechapel Road for the large number of takeaways, betting shops and amusement arcades, as well as high crime and poor standards of customer service.

It failed in nine out of the 20 key categories it was tested on, from safety to street hygiene.

Bethnal Green Road was criticised for crime, failing shops and empty market stalls in the report which was carried out by experts from the Association of Town and City Management and the Retail Group.

Nine of the borough’s town centres and markets were studied for the council.

Major high streets plus traditional markets at Roman Road, Chrisp Street and Watney Market were included.

Crime was the biggest single issue highlighted, with only two locations - Crossharbour and Bromley-by-Bow high streets - not afflicted by a high level of reported incidents.

The report found that empty market stalls were also an issue at Brick Lane, Whitechapel Road, Roman Road and Chrisp Street.

Poor food hygiene was another problem with many cafés and restaurants in Whitechapel Road, Brick Lane, Bethnal Green, Roman Road, Chrisp Street and Watney Market.

Shoppers complained of a poor choice of goods and bad service at Whitechapel, Chrisp Street and Brick Lane.

Tower Hamlets is investing to improve tatty shopfronts, remove graffiti and upgrade street lighting. Hygiene training will be offered to restaurants, and the council will consider “curating” market stalls to drive out rogue traders and improve the range of goods.

Azmal Hussain, vice chair of the Brick Lane Restaurateurs’ Association, defended Brick Lane, saying tourists came to see its graffiti and authentic vibe, not a sanitised shopping street.

“If you don’t have time to go to Bangladesh go to Brick Lane and you are there,” he said.

“There is a lot of heritage in Brick Lane and people like that.”

Joshua Peck, Tower Hamlets cabinet member for economic growth, said: “By investing in public realm and safety improvements we’ll support thriving places like Brick Lane and Columbia Road flower market to retain their status as key destinations.”

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