The people of Tower Hamlets will soon have free access to the internet in libraries across the borough. Libraries in Tower Hamlets have been awarded £350,000 by the New Opportunities to install over 100 computers as part of The People's Network initiative a government scheme initiative set up to provide free internet access in public libraries.

Each computer will offer free internet access opening up a world of learning, entertainment and fun to Tower Hamlets residents. The whole community will benefit from free Internet particularly those who do not have access to the web at home, out of school or in a work environment. Anne Cunningham Head of Tower Hamlets Libraries said: "This is the most significant and exciting development to have impacted public libraries sector for years.

'When are you going to get the Internet'? is the most frequently asked question in Tower Hamlet's libraries at the moment and at last staff will have an answer. Libraries are not scary high-tech places and will staff on hand to help; local people will have the chance to tap into the wealth of information on the web. It is hard to imagine any section of the community that will not benefit. "

Street crime has rocketes in an area of London where police are trying out a new approach to class C drug possession, delaying the implementation of same method in Tower Hamlets. The jump in muggings in Lambeth came as street crime reached a new high across the capital, according to Scotland Yard figures.

The experiment in giving cannabis users a warning rather than prosecuting them began in Lambeth in early July. David Blunkett has expressed his interest in the scheme, saying it fits in with the Government's emphasis on tackling hard drugs and concentrating police resources where they are needed most.

Lambeth police chief, Commander Brian Paddick, who the Home Secretary met shortly after the election, launched the new approach as a six-month pilot scheme. But in the month the scheme was introduced muggings in Lambeth have continued to rise. Scotland Yard figures show there were 760 street robberies and snatches in July - up from 613 the previous month and from 489 the previous July. Across the capital there were 5,427 such incidents last month, working out at 175 incidents a day.

It was the third monthly rise in a row for the whole of London with 4,860 incidents in April, 5,229 in May and 5,335 in June. The figures included a monthly rise of 33% in Tower Hamlets where there were 347 incidents in July. Police say there is no evidence of a link between the new approach to cannabis and the rise in street crime in Lambeth. Shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe says there is probably a connection between the rise in street crime in Lambeth and the new approach to cannabis. It was a mistake to ever send out a message that any brand of crime would be tolerated, she said.

Brick Lane is fast becoming a holiday hotspot due to TV programmes showcasing the area and international press coverage. Many younger tourists are shunning the traditional London tourist areas and are flocking to the smart bars, Balti houses and trendy boutiques. But the area is also pulling in the many senior visitors from as far afield as Australia and the US who are attracted by the lively markets and the areas rich history.

The newly rejuvenated Brick Lane recently found popularity when the area was featured on a holiday programme alongside sun-kissed Greek beaches and idyllic English lakes. The Summer Dream ticket on ITV told viewers: "If you fancy a day out closer to home at the centre of London's happening universe, take a step east." Before taking a guided tour of Spitalfields, Columbia Market and Brick Lane, the show's presenter added: "Brick Lane is fast becoming London trendiest hangouts." She also revealed the hugely influential New York was poised to run a piece on the area which would guarantee a large influx of American tourists.

Many will be attracted to the area after endorsements from the likes of Mariah Carey who always takes time to visit the area when she is in London. Another Tower Hamlets fan is tourism chief Tim Chudleigh. He said: "It comes as no surprise that Brick Lane was highly recommended on the national television. It is a thriving area in the heart of London that has the advantage of offering the visitor a unique cultural experience.

Former gang members who became ideal students after a non-violence course are taking part in the launch of the project's next stage. Kaiyesh Miah and Atiqul Ambia, both 15, from Stepney Green Boys School in east London, were constantly in trouble for neighbouring gang violence before joining the Non-Violence Project, said course director Clem Leech. Now Kaiyesh has been made head boy and Atiqul has successfully completed the programme, which steers young people away from violent crime.

Representatives from the police and the London borough of Tower Hamlets will attend the launch of a survey of youth violence in the area as the project is rolled out to 10 other schools in the borough. "Both boys now know there are alternatives to violence and they have the means to deal with it," said Mr Leech. "They won't be as inclined now to get involved in violence and it makes them more rounded individuals, better pupils and better family members." International chairman of the Non-Violence Project and head of the Nobel Family Society,

Dr Michael Nobel, will also attend the launch in London after his organisation funded the £90,000 pilot in Tower Hamlets. The organisation has led more than one million young people across the world through its drama and role-playing course since 1993. Mr Leech said it will now run in 10 secondary schools across Tower Hamlets at a cost of £25,000 per school, funded by the borough, grants and commercial sponsorships.