December is in full swing and last weekend’s A Very Croydon Christmas brought some seasonal magic to the town centre. Did you catch a glimpse of the Living Snow Globe, and flying carpet whooshing through our streets? It was great to see so many of our residents supporting local traders and enjoying the festivities, the Croydon way.

Saturday was also Small Business Saturday, and I was proud to show my support by meeting with the UK Hospitality trade body and visiting some fantastic local shops. It’s a great reminder of how important it is to back our local traders. Every purchase helps strengthen Croydon’s economy and keeps our high streets thriving.

Taking enforcement action

We have issued more than 100 fines for fly-tipping, seized and crushed nuisance vehicles, confiscated 70 misused Blue Badges, and taken action through prosecutions, over the last 18 months. You told us you want tougher enforcement against environmental crime and antisocial behaviour – with 94% of residents backing this approach – and we have delivered. Find out more in our latest update.

Linking East Croydon station

Making sure East Croydon station is more accessible is a priority and we’ve been working with Network Rail and developers to move forward the project to open the pedestrian through route of the footbridge. The opening next year will be another key milestone in improving connectivity as part of the regeneration of the town centre. Find out more.

Investing in transport

I have put forward plans to harness £9m transport investment across the borough. This includes new walking and cycling routes through our parks, measures to reduce traffic and improve road safety, and upgrades to public transport with more accessible bus stops and improved stations. I am committed to creating a sustainable transport system that makes it easier for everyone to travel safely and responsibly across our borough. Read the proposals here.

Conservation areas review

We are fortunate to have such a wealth of rich heritage in Croydon and will be reviewing nine areas of special architectural or historic interest for conservation status. These range from the 18th Century charm of Sanderstead Village, with its medieval parish church, to the striking modernist design of Fairfield Halls. We’ll be inviting residents to have their say on the areas that have been proposed. Find out more.

Shirley’s new community base

Shirley Library marked its 88th year yesterday (11 December) as we celebrated a new chapter for this amazing Art Deco building.

I always said it would not be sold and that it would be restored as a community asset, alongside the three other former libraries set to offer alternative community spaces, as our remaining libraries stay open longer and more often.

From 7 January, this community base will open daily from 10am to 1pm, offering book loans, study space and computer access, with more to come as volunteers grow.

This has been made possible by Play Place and the remarkable local support of The Friends of Shirley Library, volunteers, tradespeople, local businesses and the Council – bringing this much-loved space back to life.

Supporting residents over Christmas and New Year

I know the holiday season can be difficult for many and so I want to reassure residents and businesses that we will continue to provide essential services during this period. There will be some changes which are outlined here.

May I take this opportunity to wish a very Happy Hannukah to Croydon’s Jewish community who will be celebrating over the coming week.

Have a great weekend all.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon