Following a recent High Court judgement concerning six Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes in Croydon, the Council has suspended the schemes and enforcement has ceased. These were originally introduced in 2020 before I was elected Mayor, and since 2022 I have been clear that they must reflect the priorities and experiences of local communities.
That is why we removed a number of the physical road barriers, introduced free resident permits and carried out a further trial period to review how the schemes were operating in practice.
After considering the Court’s decision, I have decided the Council will not appeal, which would have delayed their removal by many months. I can confirm that residents who received a penalty notice whilst the schemes were in operation will be able to claim refunds. See our website for details.
Surrey Street Vision
Surrey Street Market is one of the UK’s oldest and most loved markets, so it was fantastic to join residents and traders at the launch of our new vision for the area last weekend. The £4.4m Amplifying Surrey Street project is a major step in regenerating the town centre and restoring pride in our borough, with improvements to help the market grow over the coming year.
Supporting our young people
We have been celebrating Foster Carers Week, with our team meeting residents interested in fostering. Becoming a foster parent is life‑changing, and Croydon now offers improved fees and benefits, making us one of the most supportive Councils in England. Find out more.
High Commissioner visit
I was delighted to welcome the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert, to the Town Hall for a reception recognising the remarkable response from Croydon’s Jamaican community following Hurricane Melissa.
Croydon is home to the largest Jamaican community in London, and it was inspiring to hear how volunteers and donors came together to support those affected. The effort was led by Dr Andrew Brown and the Croydon BME Forum, who also travelled to Jamaica and met with Her Excellency as part of the relief work, delivering £400,000 in supplies. The High Commissioner said the visit to Croydon was also an opportunity to strengthen links with Jamaica’s diaspora and discuss working more closely together.
Blitz comes to Broad Green and mobile recycling in South Croydon
Our Blitz crews have been in Broad Green. I visited yesterday (Thursday) and saw them talking to local business owners about waste, clearing fly-tips and removing graffiti. We have a mobile recycling centre heading to South Croydon this Saturday (14 March) from 11am-2pm – a chance to get rid of unwanted waste quickly and easily.
Love Libraries
We have been celebrating our wonderful local libraries. From Purley and Thornton Heath to New Addington and Coulsdon, they offer reading groups, children’s rhyme sessions and digital support. I visited Coulsdon library’s community garden ‘The Hive’ and met volunteers. We have recently used funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to buy a new sign and fix the wall there and it is looking great. Thanks to extended opening hours, all libraries are now open at least five days a week, with all open on Saturdays. Visit our website or social channels to see what’s on.
I was pleased to attend the Palace for Life Foundation’s annual Iftar at Selhurst Park, where more than 150 residents gathered during Ramadan to break the fast together.
On Saturday it was fantastic to see the turnout for the opening of Loretta’s café at Rickman Hill Rec, where the Council has leased the café building. It was wonderful to see residents and parkgoers queuing to support this brilliant new venture.
It was also great to join residents in Park Hill to celebrate Holi, last Sunday, a vibrant festival of colour. I was pleased that the Council was able to facilitate this special event.
Have a good weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
