Murder
Friday 16th October there was a tragic incident in Coulsdon which resulted in the launch of a murder investigation.
Police were called to Hampton House on Reddown Road following reports of two males having been assaulted. One of the male victims received significant injuries and despite the best efforts of the LAS, he sadly died. A suspect was arrested. There was significant police presence in the area whilst the investigations progressed.
It would appear to be a personal altercation and that the suspect knew the victim. There is no gang angle as far as I’m aware.
Pumpkin competition
On a lighter note, Coulsdon Town councillors are running a Pumpkin Carving Competition to win a free afternoon tea at Dotty’s Tea Garden in Rickman Hill. Pumpkins must be displayed outside your Coulsdon property between 24-31 October. Open to all ages!
If you’d like more information let me know.
New Croydon Council Leader - Cllr Hamida Ali
Tomorrow evening (22nd October) there’s an Extraordinary Council Meeting when I’m sure Cllr Hamida Ali will be elected as the new Labour Leader of Croydon Council following the resignation of Cllr Newman.
Parking charges - consultation
The Council are consulting on plans to remove free parking from 'district centres' (or 'high streets' as most people call them).
I believe the Council should be doing everything in its power to help local businesses get back on their feet and Coulsdon will suffer particularly if the plans go ahead. This measure is part of a wider consultation on planned parking charge increases across the borough. If you’d like more information about the consultation and the worrying consequences for Coulsdon businesses let me know.
David Walliams and Cane Hill
TV comedian, presenter and children's author was the subject of an episode of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' on the BBC.
As part of the programme where he traced his family history, he paid a visit to Cane Hill in Coulsdon to learn more about his paternal great grandfather: John George Boorman.
We are of course aware that Cane Hill was for over 100 years the site of a psychiatric facility. Since opening in 1883 it admitted thousands of patients including relatives of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, legendary actor Michael Caine and singer David Bowie.
During both the First World War and Second World War the hospital took in a large number of discharged mentally ill servicemen, with records showing that the earliest such patient was admitted in 1915.
John Boorman was one such patient, admitted to the hospital in 1919 following service in the First World War.
If you missed the programme you can watch it on the BBC.
Planning White Paper Consultation
The Conservative Group on Croydon Council has invited Residents’ Associations across the Borough to attend briefings on the Government’s White Paper. The latest of these is taking place this evening. The well attended meetings are to pull together thoughts and views from representative groups across Croydon. The consultation ends on 29th October. Our Group on the Council will be submitting a response.
Community Ward Budgets
We are always looking for projects that could benefit from the budgets each councillor in Croydon has for community projects. Let me know if there is anything you would like us to consider.
Charlie had, some time ago, asked for a replacement bench on Brighton Road. This long overdue replacement has been delayed due to ‘supply chain problems’. I hope to report its installation very soon!
As always, please do contact me if you have any questions.
Cllr Ian Parker - Coulsdon Town
21st October 2020