Waddon December Update

Croydon’s Financial Situation

It’s been a very difficult few weeks for Croydon. You may have seen that the Council has had to declare a Section 114 notice, which means that we can’t balance our own books for the next financial year and have had to appeal to national government for support once again. The leaders of the previous Labour administration were part of that problem, those responsible have left and we have apologised. We are under new leadership and working hard to win back your trust. It’s a shame the Tories can’t acknowledge their part in this problem too. The decimating cuts to local government over the last decade, the inherited debt and the interest rate crisis – fuelled in no small part by Truss’s catastrophic budget – are compounding our problems. Locally Labour has called on the mayor to work cross party for the good of the borough – it’s a shame that this offer has not been meaningfully accepted. Labour is under new leadership locally and we are determined to hold the Conservative mayor accountable for Croydon’s recovery.

Do reach out to us if you have any questions or comments on Croydon’s financial situation. To read about Croydon’s finances in detail you can read the Cabinet papers here.

Veteran Car Run

In happier news, Ellily and Rowenna helped organise teas, coffees and sausage rolls in partnership with St Andrews Church for spectators to watch the glorious veteran car run along Southbridge Road at the start of November. Deluging rain did not deter spirits as we clapped and cheered the heroes going all the way to Brighton in open-topped wonders.
For more, read Sam Attwater’s fabulous account of the day. 

Revised plans for 89 Waddon Way

Readers of this newsletter will remember Ellily and Rowenna objecting to the proposed ten-storey block for the former Wyevale Garden Centre, arguing that it was out of character with the local area. The developers, Bellway, have listened to those concerns and brought forward revised plans with a maximum five-storey tower. Your Waddon councillors have continued to listen to local residents about concerns and to meet with developers to make sure their views are heard. Our most important concern that we continue to raise is parking. With only half a parking space being provided per unit, we are worried this will add pressure to on-street parking which is already under pressure.

If you have any thoughts on the proposed development at Waddon Way, please let us know!

Revised Plans for Stafford Road

Ellily and Rowenna have repeatedly resisted plans to build on land to the rear of 13-73 Stafford Way, or the second half of the horse field at Duppas Hill. Listening to residents, we feel the area is already overcrowded, we value our green space, and long term there had been talk of the need for a school on that site rather than over 100 new housing units. Unfortunately, developers appealed the Council’s ruling against them, and unfortunately, they have been successful. The Government’s Planning Inspectorate has ruled that the development can go ahead. It’s disappointing that a national decision has overruled the views of local residents and councillors – we will however keep local residents informed of these developments.

Planning Victory for Alton Road

Ellily and Rowenna objected to the planning application to demolish a bungalow on Alton Road and replace it with five new houses. We shared residents’ concerns that the proposed development would be an eyesore that would not be in keeping with the character of the local area and neighbouring properties.  It would also create additional highways and parking pressures on already-congested local roads. We are very pleased that Croydon Council has now refused planning permission for this proposed development – and we want to put on record our thanks to former Waddon councillor Robert Canning for helping us with this victory!

Housing Action Canvass

This Saturday we are canvassing some of our most run-down blocks to see if we can help with any housing casework issues. This is part of a wider campaign by the Labour Group in Croydon to help support residents with housing needs across the borough. Even if you’ve never knocked on a door before, feel free to come along and we will support you.

Come and join us, meeting at 12:30pm on Saturday 3rd December at the corner of Violet Lane and Duppas Subway.

We are also speaking to residents on Friday 9th December, please join us at 4pm at the corner of Old School Place and Cooper Road, CRO 4DL.

Community Announcements

With so many struggling to pay their energy bills, the fantastic St George’s Church on Barrow Road CR0 4EZ is opening up its doors to provide a ‘warm space’ for anyone who wants some shelter and company. Opening hours are Mondays 9am-10:30am when they run a toddler group and Thursdays 11am-1pm during their community lunch. All local residents are welcome.

The great charity Start it Right is hosting a Winter Grotto with fun for the whole family on Saturday 17th December 11am-3pm at The Write Time School, Warrington Road, CR0 4BH. Do go along, have some party food and find out more about their great community work: www.startitright.org.

Lastly, do have a wonderful Christmas from us!

Ellily and Rowenna

PS Another big thank you to former Labour councillor Joy Prince and Labour member Mathew Hill for helping with our last surgery.