Cllr Jeet Bains and myself went on a walkaround this afternoon with the fantastic Thornton Heath community group.
Thornton Heath's reputation locally and nationally is normally negative, this group really want to change that for the better. We discussed and viewed a number of issues such as rogue HMO's, numerous fly-tips, litter, parking issues amongst other topics.
THCAT have started their own Thornton Heath Bloom awards, it is initiatives like this that we need to spread across the borough. Giving residents the tools to take pride in their area is key. I will certainly be taking this idea, and looking at ways we can adopt similar schemes across Croydon.
This was the second walkaround with the group, and it will not be the last. For too long, Croydon North residents have been ignored, and as a local person who grew up in the area, I am passionate to initiate change.