It’s great to see spring well and truly under way with Croydon’s 127 parks and open spaces starting to come to life again. Greening our streets is important too, so it was great to join residents in Oval Road, East Croydon this week for the planting of 45 new trees in their neighbourhood. Led by East Croydon Community Organisation, this project was brought to life with joint funding from the council, the Forestry Commission and Network Rail – a fantastic example of partners working together to make our green borough, even greener. If you are interested in sponsoring a tree in your area, perhaps crowdfunding with your community, you can do so through the Trees for Streets initiative – find out how here.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in community litter picks in our parks, town centres and other public places during the Great British Spring Clean. During the fortnight, we saw 221 residents of all ages support the work of our council street cleaning crews by collecting 253 bags of litter. Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you to our army of Street Champions, who help to organise litter picks in their local area all year round. Together we can keep our borough cleaner, greener and safer and make sure it’s a place we are all proud to call home.
There is much to look forward to in May, with 120 street parties currently planned across our borough for the Coronation of King Charles III. Last year’s Croydon’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations were really special, as friends, family and neighbours came together to mark this historic occasion. You can find out more about the Coronation here or if you are hosting a street party, visit the Big Lunch website for inspiration and top tips. During May our London Borough of Culture celebrations also continue, with the Commons dance festival at Stanley Arts offering exhibitions, performances, workshops and parties. More information about this and the London Borough of Culture events on the website.
Finally, Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating – it has been a great privilege to share Iftar with some of our residents during the holy month of Ramadan. Also a Happy St George’s Day for Sunday.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
