Prince Charles visits Hackney to announce plans to invest in riot-torn communities

Prince Charles visited Hackney this afternoon to announce plans to invest �2.5m in riot-torn communities, following last week’s riots.

The Prince and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, met young people from some of the communities most affected by the London riots at The Prince’s Trust centre in Bayford Street.

Ironically Charles’ charity – which helps change young people’s lives - was set up 35 years ago following following conversations with young people in the aftermath of the Brixton and Toxteth riots.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust said the work of the Trust is more relevant today than ever.

“The tragic events of last week have left communities torn apart,” she said.

“Many young people are now very vulnerable.

“We know the vast majority of young people were not involved in the criminal activity and it is these young people we need to protect from the devastating aftermath of the riots.”

As well as committing �1 million from funds already raised, the charity is calling on the business community to back a �1.5 million fundraising drive to raise the rest of the cash.

Martina Milburn added: “This is an immediate opportunity for businesses to invest in schemes which are proven to work.”

More than three in four young people supported by Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training.