This week, it was the turn of GCSE students to receive their results and I want to congratulate everyone on their hard work and efforts – you should be proud of your achievements. Results day can be difficult for those who didn’t get the grades they had hoped for, but support and advice is available – see the council website for details. I wish all our students the best of luck as they prepare for sixth form, college, training and apprenticeships in September.
I have been really impressed by the delivery of the HAF (Holiday Activity and Food) projects throughout Croydon which are run by dedicated community leaders focused on ensuring our young people are active, learn new experiences and most importantly are well nourished during the summer months. I visited Mula Cake Kids Club annual end of summer club presentation day this week. Last week it was a privilege to visit Reaching Higher, the Solidrock Academy and 4EveryChild, all of which have been providing activities and healthy meals for hundreds of children and young people. A big thank you to all our holiday club providers.
This week I’ve been back down to Norbury to check on the blitz clean up which is still under way. Although there is still more to do, the team have been doing street cleansing, removing fly-tips, graffiti removal and painting of railings and road markings. I had some great conversations with residents about the importance of keeping our streets clean to restore pride in our neighbourhoods.
No doubt many of you have spotted some visitors to the borough in recent days. Croydon Stands Tall is a 10-week art trail of 30 giant giraffe and 30 baby giraffe sculptures that are located across the town centre. This is part of our London Borough of Culture events, in partnership with Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and creative producers Wild in Art. The giraffes are designed and decorated by local artists, schools and communities and are a bright and fun addition to the town centre. If you want to get involved in finding the giraffes across the town centre, just download the app and join the search for the giraffes!
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
