Last Saturday I took part in a large public demonstration in Langley against knife crime, which has tragically resulted in the loss of several lives on Slough streets in recent years.

One hundred or so local people gathered and marched through the streets, from Harvey Park to Langley Memorial Park.

Moving speeches were made and community organisations explained their responses to this, expressing their concerns and frustrations, demanding action – especially from the police and the council.

Marching in silence with placards is a really effective form of peaceful protest which, I think, shows solidarity and strength – a good counterpoint to the cowardly violence of knife crime.

The whole event was dignified and moving – raw nerves were displayed, pain and understanding was shared. Grief from parents and friends of victims was expressed and calls for action were heard and responded to.

I was there as council leader to say I agree, and I will redouble efforts working with the police, voluntary organisations and residents’ groups.

It is ironic that an increasing number of young people say they carry a knife to feel safe. The reality is it makes them more of a target – more likely to be injured, maimed, or killed.

Carrying a knife is a crime, just as using one to threaten or injure someone is. Behind this can often be organised crime – drug barons, gangs, pushers, runners.

Criminals target and exploit young people as customers and turn them into expendable foot soldiers in the drugs war, where the knife is the first weapon of choice.

That’s why I want to see the slogan of that demonstration last Saturday – ‘drop the Knife, save a Life’ – taken into every school and youth club in Slough.

Less well known is that drug gangs target vulnerable older people as well and push their way into the homes of these vulnerable older people. This is called “cuckooing”.

Once in these homes, they are turned into storerooms, distribution centres, and/or drugs dens, while the old people remain as “cover”.

I understand why parents say: “Don’t make our children feel like criminals”. But the police are going to look kindly on young people who tell what they know of such activities.