London’s Mayor has backed Croydon’s plans to curb knife crime saying they “deserved to work”.

Boris Johnson publicly got behind the Safe for All scheme after being asked his opinion by London Assembly member and Croydon councillor Steve O’Connell at his monthly question time.

Mr Johnson said: “I think it is a great idea and I hope it works and it deserves to work.

“I understand the Turnaround centre will be a one-stop shop for people who think their kids are going off the rails.

“I know that there have been some issues lately in your part of the world and I hope this provides part of the solution.”

The Mayor also praised Croydon’s trams, despite Coun O’Connell stating his disappointment they had dropped the Croydon name and become London Tramlink.

Mr Johnson added: “Croydon played an historic role in promoting trams. In 1901 there was the first tram and recently it has done pioneering work and it is something I want to encourage.”

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