I’ve been out with one of our enforcement officers, Ken Thompson, to see first hand the work he and his team are doing to pursue fly-tipping offenses. We did a walkabout in Thornton Heath, together with a BBC News crew, where we uncovered a disgusting fly-tip – this time with correspondence from multiple addresses. Enforcement will follow, Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued and, where fly-tips are on private land, owners will also be pursued. We are taking zero tolerance on fly-tipping as part of my priority to create a cleaner and safer borough and to restore pride in our areas.

We are consulting on our Environment Enforcement Policy and are proposing a more robust and stepped approach to enforcement – from written warnings right through to prosecutions. We would like to hear your views and have extended the deadline to Sunday (31 August). Have your say.

Regina Road apprenticeship

It was great to meet Lewis, a young person who grew up on the Regina Road estate and is now starting his career in construction with our demolition contractor, Colemans. The 23-year-old completed training, gained his CSCS card and will begin paid work experience in September. This was made possible through our social value programme, which makes sure that our contractors deliver benefits for local people, such as jobs and training. I wish Lewis every success in his apprenticeship and thank Colemans for providing the opportunity.

Demolition has started on the estate in South Norwood and will remove the dilapidated tower blocks level by level over the coming months. This is part of my commitment to investing in Council homes and improving living standards. Phase one will deliver at least 225 new affordable Council homes, supported by a £54m GLA grant. Once completed, there will be 340 new homes, green space, a nursery and a new community centre. Find out more.

Back to school

Many of our young people and teachers will be returning to school and college next week after the summer holidays. I hope you’ve enjoyed the break and wish you all the best for the coming year.

Croydon Food and Music Festival 2025

I look forward to seeing many of our residents at Croydon’s largest festival – which returns to South End on Sunday, 31 August, 12-7pm. It’s a fantastic event and I was delighted to support it through my Culture & Community Fund, supported by UK Shared Prosperity Funding. Do pay a visit and help to support our local businesses.

Saturday (30 August) is the Golden Jubilee celebration of Kerala Cultural and Welfare Association (KCWA), a voluntary organisation which brings together the members of the Malayalee community in Croydon. Keraleeyam 2025 promises to be a great celebration of their culture through music and dance at Fairfield Halls.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon