Croydon businesses have welcomed the removal of benches in Croydon’s North End shopping area to deter antisocial behaviour.
Croydon’s Town Centre Taskforce listened to concerns from local businesses about the ongoing antisocial behaviour from some people gathering in large groups at benches in the area. This was also preventing shoppers and those walking nearby from using them.
Outreach teams were asked to work with those involved in the antisocial behaviour to prevent this from continuing. Adequate seats remain in North End for anyone who needs them to sit down and rest.
Shaun Webster, Director of Operations at Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Unfortunately, seating in this part of North End had become a hotspot for persistent anti-social behaviour, often linked to alcohol misuse. This was having a negative impact on nearby businesses and deterring customers from the area.
“Through ongoing discussions with Croydon Council and the local taskforce, facilitated by Croydon BID, businesses felt their concerns were finally being heard. The decision to remove sections of the seating has made a real difference. The area now feels noticeably calmer and more welcoming – a much better environment for staff, customers and trade.”
The Town Centre Taskforce is a key partnership in Croydon. Statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations, such as Croydon Police and Croydon BID (Business Improvement District), work with residents and businesses to swiftly tackle antisocial behaviour.
In the past year, the partnership has focused on removing unauthorised encampments, damaged street furniture and clearing rubbish from public areas, footpaths and underpasses – making streets and public areas safer and preventing hazards.
Community outreach teams have also been supporting young people and offering wraparound help to get rough sleepers on their journey to stability.
The work of the partnership supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to make our borough cleaner, safer and healthier for everyone. He said:
“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy our town centre and feel safe while in North End. It is a shame that a few people were consistently being antisocial, which was affecting our businesses and those walking past these groups. The areas where the seating has been removed is now a lot more pleasant.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Anyone who sees antisocial behaviour in Croydon can report it anonymously to the police via 101.
Concerns about someone who is sleeping on the streets can be sent to StreetLink who will connect them with local services.
