Critics fear illuminated drawings will lure people to danger area

Young artists Sarah Paul, 12, Alex Paul, 6, Jodie Walsh, 14, Harry Peters, 7, Margaret Stafford, 11, Billy Stafford, 5, Danielle Hill, 12, and Taylor Hill, 5, with project artist Michelle Mason

THE Town Hall has unveiled its latest weapon in the fight against crime on Camden Town’s canal towpaths – illuminated children’s drawings.
Back-lit sketches, some drawn by children as young as five, have been sited at the Regent’s Canal’s darkest tunnels, including underneath a bridge in Camden Road.
The walkway has a notorious reputation for drug deals and after-dark muggings. Council chiefs, who are thought to have splashed out close to £100,000 on the project, believe the lights will make the towpath safer.
Community safety boss Labour councillor Anna Stewart said: “The new lighting has been designed in response to residents’ concerns, to prevent crime around Regent’s Canal.
“By taking part in this initiative, these young people have made a valuable contribution to their area.”
But critics say the children’s drawings will have no impact on crime and have called for a re-think after an official unveiling ceremony on Friday night, which saw Mayor of Camden Harriet Garland join the young artists on a boat cruising up the canal.
The young artists, aged from five to 21, are members of Transition Youth Club at Maiden Lane Community Centre or Kentish Town City Farm summer project. Their work is the product of a community scheme run last summer.
Del Brenner, from the Mayor of London’s Thames and Waterways Steering Group, said: “The children looked at the work they had done and it was nice for them but the plan is flawed.
“I wouldn’t use the word tacky but it is superficial. By no means does it make the towpath safer.”
He claimed that the project had been completed without planning consent and in contravention of police guidelines
Mr Brenner added: “I would never encourage anyone to go to that part of the towpath after dark, even to see the illuminated artwork.
“There is a high brick wall beside the towpath and no means of escape, and no way that anyone could offer any help.”
Steve Lucas, from campaign group Keep It Camden, added: “It is supposed to be for safety reasons but it clearly isn’t.
“This is contrary to the council’s own conservation area statement. It says that the council should have rigorously resisted anything of this size.”
The Town Hall has dismissed all criticism, insisting the project has given youngsters the chance to help beat crime in a fun initiative.
Officials are also disappointed that some opponents heckled the Mayor’s boat on Friday.
Environment supremo Labour councillor John Thane said: “Young people often feel excluded from decision-making, but this project has given them an opportunity to make their voices heard.
“By contributing their local knowledge and understanding of what the area needs, these young residents have developed lighting that really helps people feel safer and more comfortable in their community.”
Some residents backed the project on Friday.
Camden Town resident Lester May said: “It was a delightful surprise to see the light installation on the canal. It quite lit up the evening for me.”
One of the artists, Danielle Hill, 12, added: “I enjoyed working on the project because I wanted something up on the wall from me.
“If it’s lighter down here by the canal then it’s safer. It’s not pitch black down here at night any more.”