Many local people have been concerned by reports of The Addington Golf Club’s aspiration to manage parts of Shirley Heath and Addington Hills and to build a driving range on council land there. I share those concerns and want to reassure residents that whilst the golf club are entitled to their aspirations, that does not mean that the council had or has any intention of selling, leasing, or handing the land over.
I am committed to protecting our green spaces and investing in our parks. Recently we opened another two new children’s playgrounds in our parks, have upgraded our tennis and cricket facilities, improved path infrastructure, and restored a Park Ranger to South Norwood Country Park.
We are proud to be London’s greenest borough and will continue to work towards our goal of protecting and improving our precious green spaces.
Police investigation
I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sarah Mayhew, after she was named by police following a discovery in Rowdown Fields, New Addington. I know our communities have been shocked by this tragedy. Two people have been charged with murder. Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111; quoting reference: 1656/02APR.
Tamil New Year
I recently attended an event to mark the Tamil New Year, known as Puthandu, which falls on Sunday this year, as well as attending the Sankara Vidhya Bhavan annual programme at Trinity School. I watched some amazing performances including from our young people who demonstrated the pride they have in their culture and traditions which was wonderful to see. The Tamil community contribute significantly to the fabric of Croydon and I wish them a great Sunday.
Sarah Kittoe book launch
I was delighted to attend the book launch of Croydon’s young author, Sarah Kittoe, who despite being just 11 years old has released her fourth book, Ama and the Lost Key. Sarah plans to donate the proceeds of her books to homelessness charities and has already helped to renovate a library in Ghana. Everyone in Croydon is extremely proud of her. Well done Sarah!
As Ramadan came to an end this week, warmest wishes to everyone who celebrated Eid al Fitr and to our Sikh community celebrating the Festival of Baisakhi on Saturday (13 April).
Have a good weekend.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
