Fear of crime in the town centre is making big companies think twice about coming to Croydon, according to one major high street retailer.

John Lewis has long been touted as coming to Croydon as part of the Park Place development around St George’s Walk.

But Jeremy Collins, head of retail development at the firm, said Croydon’s reputation of crime was a concern.

He said: “I think it is an issue, whether it is real or perception. It is about creating a sense of a clean and well ordered town centre.

“I am not sure it is putting off retailers but it is certainly an issue that needs to be tackled.”

Mr Collins said consumer surveys had flagged up personal safety as one of the biggest concerns when shopping.

He added: “There is a perception that the town centre is a potentially difficult place especially later on in the evening."

Mr Collins said he was closely monitoring the situation in Croydon after the council cancelled its partnership with developer Minerva, who had planned a £500m redevelopment of the site.

He said it was a “courageous decision” to part with Minerva and start again searching for a new partner to redevelop the site.

He added: “The council under Jon Rouse’s stewardship has shown some courage and leadership in tackling the issue.

“From an industry point of view they should be commended for stepping in and taking control.”

Mr Collins remained tight lipped over whether John Lewis would come to Croydon.

But he admitted: “From our point of view we have always been Croydon has a major town centre and is capable of sustaining a John Lewis store.”

Chaseville Limited, who elase part of St Geroge’s Walk, announced this week it planned to invest £250,000 in reviving the boarded up shops and bringing back a thriving shopping centre.

The council has submitted a planning application for its first site in its Urban Regeneration Vehicle, a development partnership with John Laing.

It proposes the site on Fell Road be demolished and a new buidling, up to 13 storeys high, be built to house a new public service hub.

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