With football on everyone’s minds this weekend, I’m delighted that our very own CPFC will be making the day extra special for Croydon by hosting a walk-in vaccination clinic at Selhurst Park.
Anyone over 18 can turn up for their first dose – or for their second, if its 8-12 weeks since your first – with no appointment required. Centrale vaccination centre is also offering walk-ins all weekend, so if you’re planning some shopping in the town centre, pop in and get your jab. It’s quick and easy, and will give you the best possible protection against the virus. Full details of all the clinics, including dates, times and eligible age groups, are available here.
It’s fantastic that 218, 567 residents have now had their first dose, with 148,965 having also received their second – so a huge thank you to our NHS partners and to everyone who has taken up their jab so far. We’re working with the NHS to help everyone in Croydon get their vaccinations as quickly as possible, and answer any questions they might have. Teams are going door to door in some areas, so if you feel like you need information about the vaccine, look out for their ‘Ask me about the Covid-19 vaccine’ tabards or go online.
I know that many in our community will also be concerned to hear about the stabbing on the Shrublands Estate on Wednesday night. It was a devastating loss of such a young life and all our communities’ thoughts will be with the family, friends and everyone affected. The council is supporting the police with their investigation and I’d urge anyone with any information to contact the police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sunday 4 July is national Thank You Day and this year it’s an opportunity to celebrate those in our communities who have helped us through the past 18 months. As leader of the council I want to say a special thank you to everyone in Croydon for all they have done – so many have gone to above and beyond to help and support others, from our frontline workers to our volunteers, our schools and our businesses, and everyone who has helped friends, family and neighbours. I also want to thank everyone, right across our communities, for the tremendous personal sacrifices you have all made to help keep our communities safe.
Monday is also the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day and I want to recognise all of our frontline workers for all they have done in the past 18 months, particularly our own council staff. From our social workers who care for our most vulnerable residents, to our waste and recycling crews, they play vital roles every day including at the height of the pandemic. We will never forget what they did and continue to do for Croydon. My heartfelt thanks to all of them, and it is with huge pride that I will join the Mayor of Croydon on Monday morning, as we raise the Town Hall flag in their honour.
Have a great weekend, enjoy the football and stay safe. Come on England!
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
