Campaigners have been called to action to help more than 23,000 children aged under 16 living in poverty.

Enfield Borough Council members came together to find new ways to eradicate children poverty in the area at a special conference.

More than 100 experts from the world of health, education, housing, community groups and voluntary agencies also gave their input the event at the Dugdale Centre, in London Road, Enfield, yesterday.

Council Leader, Doug Taylor, who opened the conference, said: “Eradicating poverty is a tall order. Children born into poverty start their lives with a massive disadvantage. All our research shows that poverty affects their learning, chances of employment, health and enjoyment of life.

“What drives poverty affects whole communities.  We must respond to the growing needs of our communities in a way that strengthens them creating employment opportunities, attracting investment; planning for growth and improving infrastructure.

“This conference is designed to enhance existing plans that support people across housing, education, health, employment, regeneration and leisure activities. We look forward to gaining some insights from all those who attend.”

Cllr Rohini Simbodyal, cabinet member for leisure, culture, public health and youth, added: “This is a significant conference helping us to set the scope and pace of our work. We want to consider a health and wealth plan that targets our resources to maximum advantage.”

The council’s aim is to end poverty within a generation.

Cllr Taylor, added: “Although we are taking giant leaps to create a fairer borough by lifting people out of poverty there is still so much more that we need to do.   

“The council is determined to reduce poverty in every way it can and will use this conference as a springboard to introduce new ideas that will help us defeat this scourge.”