Community event designed to highlight improvements in Clapton, which local councillor believes is no longer the “murder mile”

Last Thursday (November 18) was dedicated to giving Clapton a make-over, removing graffiti and gum from the pavements.

The annual “Clean Up Clapton Day” centered around BSix College in Kenninghall Road, with an aim to publicize improvements in the area and encourage civic pride.

“Clapton’s changed, it’s no longer the ‘murder mile,’” said Michael Desmond, Cllr for Hackney Downs ward, referring to the nickname given to the nickname given to Upper and Lower Clapton Road after eight men were shot dead there between 2002-2003.

“It has been transformed for the better, and once again it is becoming a fashionable, attractive location to live and bring up children in,” he added.

“We want Clapton’s reputation to be enhanced, and fear of crime should diminish in line with its significant reduction, we are trying to clean up the shops and get better signage, to try and get the place to look good so people are happy about it.”

The overgrown area around the disused Spring Hill toilets was cleared by a Community Payback team, in which offenders “repay” the community for their crimes.

An art competition with a “clean-up” theme, was won by Finn Endres from Millfields Community School in Hilsea Street, received a signed picture of Lord Sugar of Clapton, sent in by him especially for the occasion.

Hackney Council Speaker Cllr Sally Mulready opened the event which was supported by Hackney Police, BSix College, British Transport Police, and the housing association Guinness Trust.