With warm weather predicted for the bank holiday weekend it’s a great time to enjoy some time outdoors with friends and family.
We’re so lucky in Croydon to have 120 beautiful parks and open spaces – and even luckier to have so many residents who help us keep them that way.
The Great British Spring Clean launches today and I want to say a huge thanks to all of our 610 Street Champions who have supported our Don’t Mess With Croydon campaign by giving up their time to take part in community clean ups. This has been particularly important during lockdown, when our parks have been busier than usual. If you want to get involved in the month of action, or join our friendly network of champions, find out more here.
If you’re heading to a Croydon park this weekend, please remember:
- If you’re enjoying a picnic, think about what you bring to minimise waste.
- Please put your rubbish in the bin (we’re doing our best to empty them as often as possible but if it’s full you can help out by taking your rubbish home with you).
- We all love BBQs but they are not safe for parks.
- Please keep music levels down so that everyone can enjoy themselves.
- Stay safe: keep your distance from others and stick to the government rules which limit outdoor gatherings to 30 people.
It’s great to see everyone enjoying the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and it is vital that we all continue to follow the basic rules to prevent infection levels rising again.
The incidence rate in Croydon remains low overall – we are seeing an increase in some areas, however these are still relatively small numbers of cases and our director of public health and her team are working with Public Health England to monitor the situation closely. Where cases are identified, they are working with NHS Test and Trace to take swift and appropriate action to prevent the spread of infection.
The most important advice for all of us to help keep levels in our borough low and protect ourselves from all strains of the virus remains the same:
- Get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible – from now until Monday 31 May, Croydon University Hospital is offering walk-in clinics for the over-30s from 8am -7pm. If you haven’t had your first jab, head down there. You can also book an appointment online.
- Follow advice on hands, face, space and fresh air – meet others outdoors if you can.
- Use rapid (lateral flow) Covid-19 tests regularly, particularly before you meet others
- If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, get a free PCR test. If you test positive by any means, self-isolate
Next week June marks the beginning of Pride month – a time to celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, while promoting equality and inclusion for all. We will be proudly showing our support on Tuesday 1 June, when the Deputy Mayor of Croydon raises the rainbow flag outside Croydon Town Hall. You can find out more about our action plan to promote equality in Croydon here.
Have a great bank holiday weekend, and stay safe,
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
