STREET cricket has been introduced to a deprived estate in Waltham Forest in an attempt to break barriers between young people and the police in the area.

The Peace at the Crease initiative, supported by Barclays Spaces for Sports, has been launched in the Priory Court Estate, Higham Hill, which aims to turn young people away from gang culture and crime.

By incorporating police from safer neighbour teams, youngsters are able to discuss ongoing issues on the estate, including street safety, drug abuse, and knife and gun crime.

In June, two shootings within ten days happened in the Higham Hill area, which is the type of violence the scheme is trying to eradicate.

Adam Hall, 22, who grew up in the Higham Hill area, explained how cricket will be used to create opportunities for youngsters in the long run.

He said: “Unlike football and rugby where you can get lost in the game, cricket allows everyone to get involved.

“It gives youngsters their chance to shine. It gets them participating in a team rather than a gang.

“It a chance to change someone’s life for the better, instead of weilding guns and knives on the streets.

“Young people can hopefully recognise that they have an ability to do better, which will help them in their futures.”

The launch took place at the Priory Court Community Centre yesterday, where 25 youngsters knocked a tennis ball about with England and Middlesex cricketer Owais Shah.

Shah was invited down as a representative for Cricket For Change, which has introduced Street20 Cricket to Jamaica, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Greater London.

He said: “The idea is for children to get to know police officers as people and to build a relationship with them.

“Street20 Cricket is a lightening quick version of the game, with 20 balls per side lasting around 20 minutes.

“Cricket gives young people an opportunity to talk to each other while the game is going on.

"Cricket has opened doors for me, and hopefully it can these kids too."