RESIDENTS grilled a panel of speakers tonight in a Question Time-style debate about how Waltham Forest can beat the recession.

The annual state of the borough debate, at Leyton Orient Football Club, this year focused on the economic downturn and residents put questions to council leader Chris Robbins, his deputy John Macklin, Conservative group leader Matt Davis, Selborne Walk shopping centre manager Alasdair Currie and Job Centre Plus north east london manager Rose Dymond.

Kate Green, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group was also on the panel, while John O'Brien, chief executive of London Councils chaired.

In a wide-ranging debate Cllr Robbins said the borough needs to ensure young people get a good education and then stay in the area.

Cllr Macklin said the council needs to “listen, engage and act” with residents while Cllr Davis called for more “social regeneration” and an end to the “poverty of aspiration” affecting the borough.

Mr Currie said the number of shoppers visiting Selborne Walk shopping centre had actually increased by two per cent this year.

But he said shoppers were not spending as much, and next year will be more difficult, partly due to a forthcoming increase in business rates.

Ms Dymond said the numbers of people claiming Jobseekers allowance in the borough has rocketed from 6,079 to 8,601 in just one year.

Businessman Mark Shaw questioned a claim by Cllr Robbins that the council supports local businesses by using local suppliers.

He said: “Our experience is that hasn't happened at all.

“We employ 60 people in the borough and we have very few if any contracts from Waltham Forest.”

Other issues raised included the impact of the Olympics on the borough, parking fees, work experience opportunities and how the borough's high streets can be improved.

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