The regeneration of our town centre is my priority – and it relies on close collaboration between many partners. I was, therefore, delighted to welcome Deputy Mayor for Business, Howard Dawber, and Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley, from the Greater London Authority (GLA), to a meeting with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) this week. We were joined by the local MP, Sarah Jones, and other commercial partners for a tour of the town centre. It is only by working together in partnership that we can deliver the regeneration of the town centre and make sure it meets the needs of our community.

I also attended the London Gatwick Economic Summit this week, where council leaders from across the region came together to discuss the economic development of the South East and explore how London Gatwick – a large employer for Croydon – can work in partnership with local government to deliver growth and inward investment.

Cleaner Croydon

Our most recent ‘blitz clean’ in New Addington came to an end last week. The works included an intensive clean of Central Parade and the surrounding area, clearing fly-tipping, removing graffiti, taking away old parking machines, washing bins and re-painting road markings amongst other things. Some longer-term works will continue around fixing the posts and rails around the centre, installing new bollards and adjusting some kerbs. The ‘blitz clean’ is part of our Cleaner Croydon campaign which is about how we can work together to make the borough cleaner and help restore pride in the area. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and partners who helped to make it a success.

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

We’re urging our borough to come together, from Monday, to mark the national 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence. We are committed to creating a safer borough through our Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024-2027, which details our work to prevent violence, support victims and pursue perpetrators. During the 16 Days of Action, our Family Justice Service (FJS) and the Safer Croydon Partnership will provide training to school staff and partner organisations on how to spot, report and support those who experience abuse. If you need to speak to someone, confidential support and advice is available through the FJS – see the council website.

Windrush Line comes to West Croydon

One change we will all see next week at West Croydon station, is the renaming of the Highbury and Islington Line to the ‘Windrush Line’. Transport for London (TfL) announced the rebranding of six overground lines to reflect London’s history, culture and diversity. The Windrush Line has been named to honour the Caribbean community and will be represented by two red parallel lines on the map. Find out more.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon