It is fantastic news that ahead of its 100th anniversary, Ashburton Park has received a National Lottery grant of over £1.5m. This funding will ensure the park remains a green space for us all to enjoy. We plan to use this funding to improve and restore the park, including replacing the existing derelict tea kiosk with a new bandstand, creating a community garden, enhancing pathways and lighting, and restoring its historic wetland. My thanks to the Friends Group who have worked so hard on this application. I am looking forward to joining the community events this summer celebrating Ashburton Park’s centenary.

UK Shared Prosperity funded projects

On Wednesday, I visited New Addington to observe the construction taking place (pictured) as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This project involves the refurbishment of a market square stage and boundary walls in Central Parade to support community events. Additionally, improvement will be made to the façade of the Octagon building, the home of New Addington Pathfinders.

This project has been developed with feedback from Councillors and community groups, and is expected to be completed in May – ready for the community to enjoy in the summer. This initiative is one of several exciting projects funded by the UKSPF that are also under way in Thornton Heath, Purley, Selsdon, and along London Road, West Croydon, all aimed at restoring pride in our neighbourhood.

Bus shelters update

Since January, we have installed 101 bus shelters across the borough. The return of the bus shelters has been a top priority for me as Executive Mayor, ensuring improved everyday journeys for our residents. This initiative has been achieved in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), and installation was completed in just under 100 days. Residents have informed me that these improvements are already making a notable difference to their journeys.

Crackdown on illegal sales

I was pleased to hear that our trading standards team successfully won a closure order against a shop selling illegal tobacco and vapes in the town centre, the first closure order of this type undertaken by the Council for illicit tobacco, vapes and associated criminality. This is part of our work to act on residents’ concerns and make our town and district centres safer for everyone.

A very happy Passover (Pesach) to all members of our community who celebrate it, when it starts tomorrow.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon