We are cracking down on antisocial behaviour and today (Friday) I visited Tamworth Estate to see some of the new mobile CCTV cameras we will be  deploying at sites across Croydon to make the borough safer.

During my visit, I met with Kelly Gater, Chair of Tamworth Residents Association, to discuss local concerns and the impact these measures are having for our residents.

These mobile cameras will be going into Selhurst, Broad Green, Woodside, Thornton Heath, South Norwood, East Croydon, West Croydon and the town centre. They can be moved quickly in response to emerging hotspots across the borough.

It was great to speak to residents who welcome this extra resource, as part of my commitment to working with the Met Police to tackle anti-social behaviour on our streets and help people feel safe

The same zero-tolerance approach to dealing with issues early and preventing escalation, saw enforcement action taken against illegal street traders in North End this week after it was brought to my attention.

We will not tolerate lawlessness on our streets and will take quick and firm action where the law is being broken.

Helping people to live independently

Our new Adult Social Care and Health Strategy was approved at Cabinet on Wednesday, setting out our priorities for the next five years when supporting older people, disabled adults, and unpaid carers.

We did an enormous amount of listening to shape the plans – more than 1,000 people contributed, including 850 residents, through surveys, drop‑ins, focus groups and workshops.

The five-year plan builds on the ‘Good’ rating the service received by the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) last year, recognising our commitment to delivering high-quality care and support.

Residents and partners are invited to join the launch event of the new strategy on Wednesday 11 February in Braithwaite Hall, Croydon Town Hall. Register your place here.

Remembering the Holocaust

I was honoured to join our Civic Mayor, Councillor Richard Chatterjee at a community event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday. We welcomed many guests to the Council Chamber – residents, Councillors, staff and members of Croydon Synagogue and Generation2Generation.

I would like to give special thanks to pupils and staff from Oasis Academy Coulsdon who gave a moving presentation, as well as students from Archbishop Tension for the musical performances. Congratulations to the winners of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) artwork competition!

Wassailing in Addiscombe Railway Park

It was a pleasure to join the 10th anniversary celebrations of Wassail at Addiscombe Railway Park. This ancient English tradition celebrates the orchard, wishing the trees a fruitful year ahead, and it was wonderful to see the community come together to keep that custom alive.

All thanks to the Friends of Addiscombe Railway Park, for restoring and sustaining this tradition over the last decade, allowing it to be passed on and enjoyed by new generations right here in our borough.

Happy Saraswati Puja!

On Saturday I joined our Hindu community to mark Vasant Panchami, a festival that welcomes the arrival of spring, and also celebrates Saraswati Puja, the worship of the Goddess of learning and wisdom.

Events like this enrich our social and cultural life and, in a borough as diverse as ours, these moments of coming together matter. They bring people of different faiths together and remind us that different traditions do not divide us – they strengthen us.

Marathon fundraising

I want to pay tribute to Ashok Kumar, whose commitment to charitable causes is truly remarkable. Through running marathons across the world, Ashok has raised over £45,000 for good causes. I was pleased to attend his charity fundraising evening at Selsdon Community Centre, which brought our community together through music and dance performances by young people and highlighted the strength of Croydon’s voluntary and charitable sector.

Culture Croydon

There is lots to look forward to in February with the launch of the National Gallery: Art on our Doorstep outdoor exhibition, and to mark LGBTQ+ History Month, so do get involved.

Have a great weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon