An independent review panel was set up, headed by retired judge William Barnett, to look at why the riots happened in Croydon.

The resulting report included 24 recommendations about steps that the council, the police and other authorities could take to stop anything like that happening again.

One of the recommendations was for a more visible police presence in West Croydon and New Addington, possibly by full-time police stations in these areas.

Coun Stuart Collins was extremely vocal in calling for a police base on London Road following the disturbance, which saw police blockade North End but leave London Road to be destroyed and looted.

He said: “There’s an opportunity at the bottom of Zodiac Court in London Road where there is a little office space.

“What it would take is commitment from the police to get some of their teams to work from that base.

“I’m trying to see if I can speak to the borough commander about the issue. It will make the whole area a lot more secure.”

New borough commander Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant said he is looking at the options for the area.

He said: “There is a challenge around the police estate at present, but we would look at any opportunities to increase the presence in London Road.”