I am looking forward to the next stop for our blitz-clean squad, which will be in Thornton Heath Ponds as part of our Cleaner Croydon campaign. We are finalising the details for the intense two-week drive. Amongst other priorities, our team will clear drains, repaint road markings, clear graffiti and fly-posters and jetwash bins. Our food safety team will also be checking that food ratings are being properly displayed in take aways and restaurants, to help keep our residents safe. We welcome the support of our communities during these blitz cleans and, as always, you can help your area by reporting any waste issues on the Love Clean Streets app or by volunteering as a Street Champion.
Investing in libraries
Everyone in Croydon should have easy access to computers and digital services when they need it. That is why we have been making improvements to Central Library, using £150,000 of government funding to create an accessible digital zone. Residents will have access to computers and free WiFi in a fit-for-purpose space and workshops will be run by our partner, ClearCommunityWeb, to help people get online safely. I visited the library this week and it is looking great! The updated first floor is now open and there will be a special launch event on Thursday 23 October, from 2-5pm, as part of Get Online Week. The project was funded by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport funds LIF, which is administered by Arts Council England.
New Family Hub
I picked up a paintbrush and joined a band of Council staff and community volunteers this week for a ‘DIY SOS’ challenge at the Samuel Coleridge Taylor Centre in South Norwood – soon to open as the new Family Hub Croydon. It will provide support for all children and young adults. Some 40 volunteers have been working hard to update the building and get it ready to welcome our young people in October. The new hub is part of the changes to our youth engagement service, with a greater emphasis on reaching more children and young people and improving support for older children and young adults.
Croydon College – supporting our young people to thrive
This week I was pleased to join Croydon College for their Employment and Skills Networking Breakfast – bringing together education leaders, employers and partners committed to supporting our young people. Croydon is London’s youngest borough and it is vital that we equip the next generation with the skills they need to succeed, whilst also helping our local businesses to fill the gaps they face. Events like this highlight the strong partnerships across our borough that are ensuring Croydon remains a place to learn, earn and thrive.
I will also shortly be launching a new fund for employment and skills to build on this work – ensuring more residents can access training opportunities and long-term careers.
Croydon’s open for business
Finally, I joined the South East London Chamber of Commerce as they welcomed the Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Howard Dawber, to Braithwaite Hall for an event on Thursday. I have been working with the Deputy Mayor on London’s Growth Plan, and the Croydon Growth Plan so it was great to welcome him back to the borough and to showcase South London’s thriving business community and entrepreneurial spirit. Have a good weekend.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
