Letter to the Editor: Why is north Croydon being neglected?

I am aware that since the riots which took place in 2011, there was much discussion about the need to regenerate Croydon and make it a more attractive place for people to work and live.

These ares include the town centre and London Road. However, it is unfortunate that the various promises have not been fulfilled or fully materialised. Furthermore, the promises that were made were woefully inadequate and in many ways patronising, comparable to a sticking plaster on a large wound.

Consequently, the North of the borough, particularly Thornton Heath and West Croydon continues to be significantly neglected. It is invariably an unpleasant place to live and work. I have read the Croydon’s Local Development Framework (2013) and it is noticeable that the vision for Thornton Heath is far from ambitious and incomparable to the vision for more salubrious less ethnically diverse parts of the borough.

In fact the vision for Thornton Heath appears to be to maintain the status quo in many respects, whilst creating further housing for an already densely overpopulated area. An area which lacks adequate green space, access to nature and attractive public realms, which are priorities for other areas but not for Thornton Heath and West Croydon.

My concerns in relation to the neglect of North Croydon are as follows: 

• Dirty/filthy , uneven narrow pavements, fly tipping and general unattractive public realms
• Pot holes in the road, poor road markings eg pedestrian crossings, lack of adequate, safe cycle lanes
• Lack of green spaces and access to nature- this should be made a priority
• Dense population and over development on any available green space
• More opportunities for cycling, play areas for children
• High crime rates- yet reduced police presence, sense of lawlessness
• Croydon Town Centre, West Croydon appears wholly unkempt and neglected with numerous street drinkers and people asking for money-

There have been numerous research studies, including a study conducted at the University of Sheffield that concludes that access to green spaces and an attractive environment has a positive impact on mental health. People have more access to green spaces are less likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Equally, studies found that those with access to green space were more likely to have increased physical health and engage in more exercise, which reduces prevalence of asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

Furthermore, trees, plants and flowers absorb air pollution and provide oxygen. It is worrying that an article in the Guardian noted that predominantly white communities had 11 times more parks, playing fields, and gardens etc than communities where there was at least 40 per cent black and ethnic minority residents.

This is particularly alarming as there is an overrepresentation of black and minority ethnic people receiving mental health services. The Protecting and enhancing our urban and natural environment to improve public health and wellbeing policy (Department of Environment, Food and Rural affairs) should apply to all.

In my view, if an area is neglected, its residents will not feel valued or value the area and this will undoubtedly lead to a limited capacity to value themselves either, a recipe for severe discontent, anti-social behaviour and crime.

In the title, I asked the question why is Thornton Heath so neglected but the issues is far wider than Thornton Heath. I don’t think that I been covert in putting forward my views but I would be very interested to hear other peoples thoughts, whether they are similar or differ from own.

It is my view that the inequalities are stark and obvious and regardless of the reasons what are our MPs, councillors, and local government going to do about it? What are their responsibilities? What are our responsibilities because if we sit back and ignore it, they will ignore us!

Kathleen Bennett, via email

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