This is an exciting time for the regeneration of our town centre and it was great to see so many businesses, investors and community groups at the Develop Croydon conference, who engaged in discussions on Croydon’s potential. I am determined to deliver on my pledge of reimagining a Croydon of which we can all be proud. Residents, businesses and community groups will have many opportunities in the coming months to shape our shared vision for the town centre and to get involved in the Urban Room, so do have your say. Making our streets safer is an important part of transforming our town centre and we have been successful in our bid for £165,000 of government funding. This money will be directed into initiatives to tackle violence against women and girls and to increase town centre patrols to help everyone feel safe.
Croydon Remembers
We assembled in New Addington on Thursday 9 November to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment and to remember the seven people who lost their lives, and those who were injured. My thoughts are with their families, friends and residents whose lives were changed forever on that terrible day. I’d also like to pay my respects to our emergency services, many of whom joined us at Thursday’s civic ceremony. Croydon will never forget.
Services of remembrance will be held on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this weekend at the Cenotaph in Katharine Street and Croydon Minister. We hope to be joined by many residents, at 11am on both days, as we pay our respects to the fallen and to reflect on today’s conflicts. See this story for full details.
My thoughts are also with the family and friends of 15-year-old Elianne Andam, whose funeral service is being held on Saturday. Owing to the large number of people wishing to attend, the service will be invitation only and the burial will be for family members only. The service will be live streamed and further details can be found on newlifecroydon.co.uk/event/elianne. My thoughts and prayers are with all those in Croydon who have been affected, including pupils and staff at Old Palace School, our emergency services and our community partners who have done so much to support her family during this time.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
