Supporting our children and young people to thrive is my priority and the Town Centre Taskforce will be out and about this September, helping our young people return safely to school. The Taskforce is made up of partners from the Council, businesses, police, youth engagement services, community and voluntary organisations, health teams, and homelessness support service. Members will be in the town centre, speaking to young people and offering support as they transition into the new school year – do stop to speak to them and they will be happy to help. Find out more.

Mula Cake Kids Club

I met leaders and children at Mula Cake Kids Club, which was set up over 10 years ago. The club has given thousands of children and their parents the chance to enjoy workshops, outings, events and delicious meals as part of Croydon’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. Thank you to Mula Cakes, and to all our other partners, who have made it an enjoyable summer holiday for Croydon’s children.

Cricket pitch set for repair

Following the disgusting vandalism of the cricket pitch in Norbury Park, I want to reassure our residents that the Council will be repairing the damage. We are currently awaiting quotes for the work and will confirm the repair timeline as soon as this is finalised. Thank you to those who reported this incident.

Forge: Industries of Croydon

It was a privilege to visit Addington Forge – still in operation since 1740 – after it was featured in the Forge: Industries of Croydon exhibition at the Museum of Croydon.
I met Ben Spicer, who started as an apprentice aged just 18 in 2009, and carries on the traditional craft under 91-year-old Jim Collins, whose father  before him ran the forge.
Their story is not just one of skill, but of legacy, place and pride. Find out more.

Weekend festivities!

I was delighted to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Kerala Cultural and Welfare Association at Keraleeyam 2025. This year’s festival captured the spirit of Onam – unity, abundance and cultural pride – with wonderful performances of dance and music at Fairfield Halls.

It was also great to see so many people out for Croydon Food and Music Festival in South End’s Restaurant Quarter on Saturday. Thank you to local businesses and our community partners for putting on such a wonderful event, which the Council was proud to support.

Festivities continue this weekend with Purley Festival in Rotary Field promising to be bigger and better than before, and Thornton Heath Festival on Sunday (7 September) set to bring a spectacular atmosphere to the High Street.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon