LEADING figures in Waltham Forest have defended a multi-million pound programme to tackle knife crime, despite a Government report showing knife deaths have increased since it began.

The £2m Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) was launched last summer in response to the rising numbers of fatal stabbings in the UK's towns and cities.

The programme, which is operating in 10 areas including London, includes more knife arches, home visits and letters to parents of children who carry weapons, increased patrols, the setting up of youth forums and a clampdown on shopkeepers who sell knives to children.

A Government report shows there were an extra 126 deaths in TKAP areas in the scheme's first nine months, although the figure for under 19s has levelled out.

In Waltham Forest, the murder rate doubled in the 12 months to June although not all of these were knife deaths.

But across TKAP areas there was a 13 per cent reduction in recorded offensive weapon offences among under 19 year-olds, knife attacks decreased and hospital admissions for stab injuries fell by a third.

Cllr Afzal Akram, the council's cabinet member for community safety said the TKAP in Waltham Forest has been successful.

He said: “There has been a decrease in the number of people carrying knives but one incident is too many.”

He said the council's deploying of knife arches in all secondary schools has “reassured” young people who are concerned about knife crime.

Police borough comamnder Chief Supt Mark Benbow said: "TKAP has been successful in Waltham Forest, with the borough experiencing the largest reduction of serious youth violence in London, with a 24. 8 per cent fall in offences."

"Waltham Forest Police remains focussed on preventing knife crime, through targeted police operations to detect and deter the carriage of use of knives.

"We work in partnership with our partners and schools to prevent, educate and divert youngsters about the dangers of carrying weapons."

"In April 2009, Waltham Forest Police received a borough commendation for its 'outstanding work' in reducing serious youth violence over the previous 12 month period.

"We continue to see a reduction in offences, however, we are not complacent and are determined to continue for as long as necessary in our efforts to reduce the risk of knife crime and serious youth violence on the borough."