This morning I visited Minster Green to see first-hand the progress being made to fill in the subway and carefully restore the area around the Croydon Minster, to create a greener, safer and more welcoming public space. We are very fortunate to have such a historic building in the borough and this project, funded through Croydon’s Growth Zone programme, will protect and celebrate its heritage.
The construction is being carried out carefully and the project team are working closely with archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology in case anything of historical significance is unearthed. The work is expected to be completed this summer and the Minster will remain open throughout. See the Urban Room website for more details.
I am pleased to update that the planning application for College Green has been submitted, following our public consultation. The plans are to turn the space between Fairfield Halls and Croydon College into a vibrant park and play area that better connects with the town centre. We have had a positive response on the plans through the survey and exhibition and the latest designs have taken into account comments on making the space greener, safer and more inclusive. Find out more.
Cleaner Croydon
I was out in London Road, Norbury, this week to see the improvements our Blitz squad have been making. They have been removing fly-tips, jet-washing bins and pavements and handing out graffiti cleaning packs to local shopkeepers as part of our commitment to restoring pride in our neighbourhoods.
I also visited the depot of our waste contractor, Veolia, to see in real time what happens when a fly-tip is reported by one of our residents via our Love Clean Streets app. A call came in, we went out to West Croydon, where a Council compliance officer went through dumped waste to collect evidence, and it was cleared by a crew who are also now equipped with tablets to report fly tipping. We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to people who dump waste illegally and our residents can be assured that all reports will be acted upon.
Grangewood Park
It was great to see the improvement works carried out in Grangewood Park, Thornton Heath. The unsafe and vandalised toilet block has now been demolished by the Council after we listened to the concerns of park users and residents. The new playground was buzzing – the first to open under my mayoralty – and has made a real difference. I look forward to opening three more across the borough later this month, giving more local families high quality spaces to enjoy.
Support in Croydon
It is so important that people who care for a family member or loved one get the support they need. Our Carers Centre in George Street, which I visited this week, is a much-valued meeting place to access support from our partners, Carers First, and local charities. Find out more about support available on the Council website.
I also attended the launch of the new counselling suites at MIND in Croydon, in South Croydon, which will benefit the local community in looking after their mental health.
Croydon Police Cadets
I was delighted to drop into the Croydon Volunteer Police Cadets at their regular session at Royal Russell School this week. Through drills, sports and team activities they are building discipline, confidence and leadership skills. They are a real asset to our borough, and I wish them the best in their training. For more information and joining details see their website.
St Patrick’s Day
We celebrated outside the Town Hall on Tuesday to mark St Patrick’s Day – I hope our Irish community enjoyed the craic and Sláinte.
Eid Mubarak!
Finally, as Ramadan draws to a close I would like to wish Croydon’s Muslim community Eid Mubarak as they take part in the Eid al-Fitr festivities across the borough.
Have a great weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
