Shirley North

At the end of August, I spent some time with the Addiscombe, Woodside & Shirley Leisure Gardens (AWSL) allotments community, chaired by Jen Tapping.

I had the pleasure to visit Shirley Neighbourhood Care yesterday in their new home, the Baptist Church in Wickham Road.

I travelled through Croydon yesterday from the North to the South, it was sad and depressing, this Council has been in power for eight years. Years of mismanagement, lack of governance and complete indifference to the concerns of the residents.

Every month, residents at the Willows pay a maintenance fee to the council.  At the moment, they are very concerned that they’re not getting much for it.

Much of the fencing has fallen into disrepair.  The grounds are not being well maintained.

I logged onto Cabinet last evening and was subjected again to a lecture, apparently residents must understand what this administration tells us,  debate was stifled and challenge was not allowed.

I visited Longheath Gardens last Friday and met with tenants who have the misfortune to live next to a Brick by Brick new build.

The council has made some progress on the regularly-blocked pathway from Longheath Gardens to Arena tram.

Officers have requested quotes for the installation of “appropriate physical obstacles to prevent the vehicles by-passing the new bollards and traversing onto the grass verge.”

Thanks to residents for alerting us to fly tipping around Shirley Oaks Village.  This has now been cleared up.

Inappropriate parking is continuing to create problems on Longheath Gardens.  It is hindering use of the access path to Arena tram.

One of the many good things about Woodmere Avenue is its proximity to Ashburton playing fields.  What a great place to live!