It has been a week of remembrance and reflection for Croydon.
As we marked the sixth anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment on Wednesday, I joined the community in New Addington to remember all those who lost their lives in the tragedy. I know I speak for everyone in Croydon when I say Dane Chinnery, Donald Collett, Robert Huxley, Philip Logan, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Philip Seary and Mark Smith will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences remain with their loved ones and my thoughts are with everyone who was affected by the tram tragedy.
It was a privilege to attend Croydon’s first Remembrance and Peace Event for All Faiths, on the eve of Armistice Day, organised by Faiths Together in Croydon. It was wonderful to come together and recognise the contribution of those of all faiths for our peace.
This morning, we joined the nation in honouring all those who have given their lives in service to our country, as we observed the traditional Armistice Day silence outside the Town Hall. Our Remembrance Sunday will begin with a service at Croydon Minster – register here – followed by a parade through North End and wreath-laying at the cenotaph in Katharine Street. It is an opportunity for us to come together to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as to look to our future.
When I was elected this May, I pledged to sort out our council housing services and make sure that all our tenants are provided with warm, safe, dry homes and treated with respect. It has been appalling to see the disgraceful living conditions for residents on the Regina Road estate in South Norwood. Despite being exposed in media coverage in 2021 residents have rightly been frustrated with the lack of pace of change. That’s why one of my first actions in office was to work with our tenants and leaseholders to adopt a Residents’ Charter and next week, I will move forward plans to formally consult residents at Regina Road on options for the future of their homes, including whether to refurbish or demolish and rebuild that estate. I met with residents of Regina Road on Monday night as we want to get this right for the future. It is crucial that we listen to them and I very much look forward to working with them throughout this process.
Jason Perry
