This week at Cabinet I took the next steps towards revising the local plan which sets out the housing needs of the borough whilst protecting character and creating vibrant places for people to live, work and visit.
I am committed to listening to residents’ views and I see this not as my local plan but as residents’ local plan which removes intensification zones, protects character and emphasises design over density. Following the removal of the design guide in 2022 this is the next step to restoring faith in the planning system in Croydon.
I had the pleasure of meeting The MOSS (Makers of Stuff Squad) Collective, a group of learning-disabled artists, and hearing about their work with the Turf Project on creating 12 beautiful mosaics. These art pieces, inspired by their lives in and around Croydon, have been installed in Park Hill Park’s walled garden by the Friends group, who are equally dedicated to bringing creativity and art to this valued community greenspace. I’m sure these mosaics will become a much-loved feature.
I received an insight into the invaluable work done by Christian Family Concern in South Croydon on a recent visit, touring their excellent facilities and opening the new sensory room in the Birdhurst Nursery. The charity does great work empowering young mums and providing housing and services for children which is truly inspiring.
Congratulations to the David Lean Cinema for organising Alzheimer’s Society training for volunteers to provide dementia-friendly screenings. The screening of The Great Escaper will take place on Tuesday at 11am and offers free admission to carers.
We raised the flag of Bangladesh at the Town Hall to mark the Independence Day of Bangladesh, celebrating Croydon’s Bangladeshi residents and their contribution to our borough. It was great to be joined by members of the council and the community.
As a Croydonian born and bred I am looking forward to hearing the accounts about South Norwood High Street’s past and present, shared by the locals at an exhibition arranged by the Council as a part of the South Norwood High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme. The exhibition is currently open at Stanley Arts and will remain so until Saturday 30 March 2024.
I hope Croydon residents celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi and the Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla earlier this week enjoyed the celebrations, and a Happy Easter for this weekend! I wish everyone in Croydon an enjoyable bank holiday break.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
