Cllr  Maria Gatland

Maria Gatland has lived and worked in Croham Ward for almost 30 years. During that time she helped run the family business and cared for her husband during his long illness. Maria was elected to Croydon Council in 2002. During that eight years, she held the post of Shadow Cabinet Member for Education and then Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, kick-starting the improvements in education for young people in Croydon. Currently she chairs Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Sub Committee. Quality of care for patients in hospital is a passionate interest. In 2002 she was one of the founding members of the Friends of Croham Hurst Woods and chairs its committee. The protection and care of Croydon’s green spaces is of huge importance to her. She sat on the Planning Committee for many years. Animal welfare is a great interest and she currently has three rescued animals, two dogs and a cat. Maria has worked very hard to support and help local people and was so grateful for the tremendous support and kindness of the local community during a very difficult time, in December 2008, when details of her past of almost 40 years ago became known. She was delighted to be re selected to stand again as a candidate, in an open meeting of ward members. She enjoys reading, theatre walking and yoga.

Cllr  Michael Neal

Michael Neal has been a Croham councillor since 2002. He has lived in Croydon since 1985 and is married and has two children who went to local schools. He is currently deputy member for housing and has worked exclusively on all aspects of social housing including scrutiny. He believes in the improvement and retention of social housing within the borough and the introduction of low carbon eco-friendly new homes. He is a teacher in further education and understands the needs and aspirations of young people. He enjoys cooking and has travelled extensively in Asia, America, and Europe.

Cllr  Jason Perry

Jason is married with two children aged eight and seven. He has represented Croham for the past eight years and has been a Croydon Councillor since 1994. Over the years Jason has played a key role in supporting residents against inappropriate planning applications in the ward. He is the Cabinet Member for Planning & Conservation and in the past has been Chair of the Licensing Committee and has taken a key interest in the implementation of the 2004 Licensing Act. Jason enjoys helping residents in their dealings with the Council and looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Croham.