There’s been a fantastic atmosphere in Croydon throughout December. I was delighted to take part in Croydon Minster’s family carol concert and the Christmas lunch at St Francis Church in Selsdon. Thanks to the volunteers who served the lunch, including the local Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, and to the Church for providing such great support to the community year-round.

I had a great time walking through our town centre last weekend, at North End’s Christmas Market – a fantastic event with something for everyone. On Saturday, Meltin’ Memories has its grand opening at 10am. I welcome the last business to open in the new Allders Parade as part of the town centre regeneration. I wish them every success. Allders Parade and the Christmas lights and festivities has certainly brought an uplift to North End.

Investing in our district centres

This autumn I announced £1.4m from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund would be invested across our borough. I’m delighted to bring an update this week on £600,000 of improvements for four district centres – Addiscombe, Coulsdon, Norbury and South Croydon. These projects will improve the look and feel of high streets and support the traders who serve their communities. Find out more.

It was a proud and emotional moment to open the SMILE Hub on the Zodiac House forecourt in Broad Green alongside ward councillor Stuart Collins, who is standing down at the next election. After over 30 years of service to his ward, it was a fitting moment to see this new facility open for local people and a great example of cross-party working. Working with Communities First, the Croydon Business Association and Big Local, this fantastic new facility will offer support, training and opportunity for local people and traders in Broad Green.

Helping residents into work and training

We welcomed Croydon’s voluntary and community and faith sector to the Council this week to share information about the Mayor’s Employment Fund. My initiative will see £500,000 investment to support our residents into training, employment and skills development. We’ll be inviting partners to apply to lead the work in January. These organisations are already doing amazing work and will help us reach the people who really need our support.

I’m also delighted to report that our Government-funded Connect to Work programme is now live. The programme supports people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, who are looking to return to work or are in work but need extra support. It is my priority that everyone has the opportunities to thrive and I encourage Croydon residents to sign up. Find out more.

It was a real joy to join the festivities at The Pop-In in New Addington – with singing, dancing and entertainment bringing so much warmth and happiness to older members of our community. This much-loved centre is a genuine asset to New Addington, and I was delighted to give my personal assurance that during my mayoralty the Pop-In’s future is secure, remaining exactly as it is – a thriving, welcoming part of community life in New Addington.

Jewish festival of lights

My thoughts are with Jewish communities in Croydon and beyond following the horrific attack in Australia last weekend.

The eight days of Hanukkah continue this weekend, when Jewish communities celebrate the hard-fought right to practise their faith freely. I keep you in my thoughts and wish you a happy Hannukah.

Merry Christmas

Finally, I would like to wish everyone in Croydon a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

As we come together as families, friends, and communities, may this Christmas bring peace and warmth, and may the New Year be filled with hope.

On behalf of the London Borough of Croydon, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon