It has been fantastic to see our blitz squad in action for the second week of the blitz clean in Thornton Heath Pond, where our teams have been cleaning gullies, repairing pavements and removing graffiti. They have also removed several fly-tips and handed out graffiti removal kits to businesses. After Thornton Heath Pond, our blitz clean squad will be heading over to Crystal Palace – all part of our Cleaner Croydon campaign. This goes hand in hand with our tough action on fly-tippers and others who disrespect our neighbourhoods, whether they are dumping rubbish illegally, abandoning cars or committing antisocial behaviour. Head over to our website to find out more.

If you see any waste or road problems report them on the Love Clean Streets app so we can all do our bit to help restore pride in our neighbourhoods.

Making our homes safe

Everybody deserves to live in a safe and healthy home. We are raising standards in council homes in Croydon – which includes taking action to protect residents from damp and mould and making sure that urgent cases are dealt with swiftly.

On 27 October, Awaab’s Law comes into effect, giving landlords strict deadlines to fix damp, mould and other hazards. It was named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after living in a damp and mouldy flat in Greater Manchester. It is vital that housing standards are raised across the UK and we remain committed to improving housing and our service to residents here in Croydon. Find out more.

Growth for Croydon

It is a top priority for me to drive growth, investment and new development in the borough. I was delighted to give a keynote speech at Croydon Constructing Excellence Club’s AGM this week, where I shared my Growth Plan and vision for the Town Centre, and how working with the construction sector and business community are key to delivering on our aspirations.

Mental health support

Today is World Mental Health Day – a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise looking after our wellbeing. There is lots of support available, both in an emergency and non-crisis situations. See the Council website and Mind in Croydon for more information.

Festivals and celebrations

There was a wonderful atmosphere in Katharine Street and Croydon Clocktower last weekend for the Council’s Croydon Harvest and Walnut Fair. Thank you to everyone who volunteered or took part – it was a wonderful celebration of different cultures.

This weekend I will be joining Coulsdon Indian Community for their Diwali celebration, which falls this year on 20-21 October. On Saturday, the Black History Month Black Traders Market returns to Whitgift Square in the town centre – and there are more events in the coming week to mark Black History Month, so do get involved.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon