West Croydon revamped (From Croydon Guardian)

West Croydon revamped

12:26pm Monday 14th August 2006 in News

A package of improvements to West Croydon worth £250,000 has been broadly welcomed by people living and working in the area.

Croydon Council has announced plans to make the area safer and look more attractive including the introduction of new CCTV, brighter street lighting and improved pedestrian crossings.

The council has said new cameras should be in place later this year.

Reverend Donald Minchew from St Michael and All Angels with St James on Poplar Walk said he was glad improvements were due to be made.

He said: "I think the area around West Croydon has been much neglected in the past. And I welcome any improvements from the council."

Rev Minchew added the church, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, is open in the day.

"We have services in the evening at around 8pm and a lot of the more elderly members won't come to them even in the summer. Anything that improves the safety of people and encourages people to come into the church has to be welcomed."

But one West Croydon resident said she felt only more visible police on the streets would make the area feel safer.

Dawn Buckle said "I tend to drive, not just because it's easier for me physically, but also I feel safer.

"I understand that there's supposed to be more police in the area, but they need to be more visible to make a difference."

She added if the council wanted to attract more people to the area they should change traffic restrictions preventing people driving straight ahead into Poplar Walk.