The community is still shocked by Damilola's death and, yes, we would like to see more police on the streets

Jonathan McNeiff

The children at the conference, backed and supported by Southwark Council, said they understood the problems over shortages of money but still believed changes must take place.

Jonathan McNeiff, 16, of Croydon said: "At the moment we don't have a voice on what goes on around us here in Southwark.

"That is what this conference is all about and we need people to sit up and listen to what the youngsters have to say.

"One of the themes was crime and punishment and the community is still shocked by Damilola's death and, yes, we would like to see more police on the streets.

"However I appreciate things are being done and accept the problems there can be in funding what needs to be done."

'Message across'

Leandro Alvarez, 15, of Peckham, added: "Things have started to improve for youngsters around here in the 12 months since Damilola's death but we still have to get our message across that youngsters have a view and should have a voice."

The conference, which was held at the Avonmouth Centre in south east London on Saturday, was praised by members of the police and council.

Southwark's mayor Hilary Wines, said: "This conference is absolutely vital and not just an optional extra.

"Young people are not something you can take or leave and we have to listen to them."

The conference came just three days before the first anniversary of 10-year-old Damilola's death.

The youngster bled to death after being attacked on his way home from an after-school computer class in Peckham south London.

Pupils at the school are still being threatened

A teacher at his former school, Sue Frolish, said a nine-year-old boy had recently been threatened with a hammer while another was robbed of a mobile phone at knifepoint.

She said the pledges for increased security were taking too long.

She added: "It is one year on and children are still in the same situation.

"Our issue is that it is taking too long and whilst we can understand they have tried to do things since Damilola's murder it has taken too long."

Chief Superintendent Rod Jarman, the Southwark Borough Commander, said: "Southwark Council and the Metropolitan Police have signed a joint strategy putting youth crime at the core of all decision making around resources and activity."