It was a great pleasure to speak with investors this week to talk about Croydon’s vision to restore pride in the borough. I hosted a roundtable discussion speaking with investors, property developers and housing specialists about working together to create a vibrant and prosperous future for our town.

I was also the keynote speaker at the Croydon Constructing Excellence Club Annual General Meeting on Thursday where I met local businesses who are driving change in construction and shared with them our developing vision for the regeneration of the town centre. The council is continuing with a programme of workshops for communities about the town centre regeneration – find out more.

Saint Giles’ School in South Croydon serves our borough by working with children with a range of complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It was great to meet the teaching, medical, care and support staff this week, who all do wonderful work in meeting the individual needs of the children and young people and the school’s ethos is ‘Be the best that you can be!’

Also, this week, I enjoyed speaking with staff and prospective students of Pauline Quirke Academy at its early years launch at The Crescent Primary School. The performing arts academy provides a healthy outlet for our young people and works to nurture their talent and abilities. Our borough boasts so much homegrown talent, from Stormzy to Raye, and I’m sure that the academy will help young people reach their full potential.

I visited the Rehoboth International Christian Centre this week, which is raising money to fund outreach work to support local vulnerable people. Many of our residents have higher needs and experience mental health issues and it is essential to help support them achieve good life outcomes. Well done to everyone at Rehoboth for the work they are doing. Find out more about the council’s ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ to help boost your physical and mental health.

On Tuesday I joined Civic Mayor Councillor Tony Pearson at the raising of the St George’s flag at the Town Hall. St George’s Day is a day to be proud of our country and I hope that everyone enjoyed their day.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor or Croydon