Thank you to everyone in Croydon for the very warm welcome I have received in my first week as the borough’s first Executive Mayor.
The outcome of the election clearly shows that residents want change, and I am determined to make that happen – I really want us to all work together and seize this opportunity. I have made a commitment that I will listen to all voices from across the council chamber, with an expectation that all councillors pull together.
Having spent months on the doorstep listening to what residents want, my priority is simple – clean up Croydon and restore pride in the wonderful borough we all love.
On day one in office I took action to overhaul planning policy by instructing officers to start the process of removing the planning design guide (SPD2) with immediate effect, by revisiting the borough’s Local Plan. This work will help us protect the character of our neighbourhoods and the beautiful green spaces we value so much.
I also instructed officers to draw up plans to bring back the graffiti removal service to tackle this blight on our borough and clean up our high streets and public places.
I have set out my determination to back Croydon’s local businesses and help them to access every opportunity to grow and thrive. I look forward to working with all of them to put Croydon back on the map as a destination people love to visit.
I have also been to Purley Pool and Leisure Centre to reaffirm my priority to get the doors to that building open as quickly as possible for the community to enjoy. I am determined to restore this much-loved leisure facility for residents, and I have tasked council officers to draw up options as a priority.
There is much to do and I look forward to meeting more of you in the days and weeks ahead. I am going to keep on listening to the people of Croydon until we can restore pride in borough, making it a place we want to live, work, and stay.
Jason Perry
Executive Mayor of Croydon
