As the year draws to a close, as your local councillors, we wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on a busy and productive 2024 in Kenley. Together with local residents, associations, friends groups and faith groups, we’ve worked to improve safety, enhance public spaces, and foster a sense of togetherness.
Here’s a summary of the key achievements and activities that have shaped our ward this year, taken from a selection of our 54 news articles published this year:
Community Engagement and Safety
- Crime Prevention and Police Engagement: Residents participated in police-led engagement events focused on crime prevention. The Kenley Ward Panel set clear community safety priorities in both February and July, fostering collaboration between residents and law enforcement.
- 16 Days of Action: Kenley stood in solidarity with Croydon’s campaign to end violence against women and girls, emphasizing education, awareness, and support.
- Caravans Prevented at Higher Drive Rec: Preventive measures successfully blocked unauthorised caravan access, ensuring community spaces remain safe and accessible.
- Shoplifting Incidents Addressed: Increased awareness and interventions helped reduce shoplifting incidents, including those at the local Co-op.
- Fly-Tipping Reduced: Enhanced fencing and community vigilance led to a significant reduction in fly-tipping on Lower Road.
- Equipping Kenley’s community with life-saving skills: 194 people attended an event organised by KENDRA and run by London Ambulance Service Paramedics on how to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies.
Environmental Improvements
- Revitalising Little Roke Footbridge: Improved lighting and a fresh coat of paint transformed this pathway into a safer, more inviting route for pedestrians.
- Vegetation Management: Overgrown vegetation near Kenley Station and along Godstone Road was cleared, improving visibility and accessibility for pedestrians and drivers.
- Community Gardening: Volunteers continued their inspiring work at Kenley Station, creating beautiful green spaces that reflect the pride and dedication of our residents.
- New Pocket Park: A tranquil green space near New Valley School was completed, offering a place for relaxation and connection.
- Conserving Nature: A Call to Action in Foxley Woods: Preserving and maintaining the natural beauty of Foxley Woods.
- Flood Relief Efforts: Significant progress was made on flood relief works along Kenley Lane, providing long-term solutions for rising groundwater from the Bourne.
Infrastructure and Transport
- Road Safety and Resurfacing: Key roads, including Old Lodge Lane, received much-needed resurfacing and safety improvements. Hayes Lane potholes were addressed, and repairs to the Old Lodge Lane bridge ensured continued accessibility.
- Changes to Bus Routes: Residents actively engaged with updates to local bus services, including concerns over the 312 bus route skipping stops in Purley.
- Connecting Kenley: New signage and safety improvements reinforced connectivity and accessibility across the ward.
Celebrating Community and Heritage
- Kenley Remembers: The community came together to honour those who served, including a tree dedication by the Royal Canadian Air Force on Kenley Common.
- Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church Mural: The church unveiled a vibrant community hub mural, symbolising hope and unity.
- Kenley Station Gardening: The station’s ongoing transformation showcases the power of community spirit and collaboration.
Active Participation and Feedback
- Planning and Development: Residents voiced strong opinions on planning applications, successfully opposing inappropriate developments on Kenley’s Green Belt land and other areas.
- Local Plan and Regeneration: Engagement with Croydon’s Local Plan review and the Town Centre Regeneration Strategy ensured Kenley’s needs are heard.
- Library Services and Flexible Parking: Feedback from residents shaped proposals for library service changes and flexible parking options to support local businesses.
A full list of our news articles relating to Kenley can be found here. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive our quarterly report on ‘Kenley goings-on’, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
Looking Forward
From improving safety and infrastructure to conserving nature and fostering a sense of belonging, Kenley continues to thrive as a vibrant and engaged community. As we look ahead to 2025, let’s build on this momentum and work together to make Kenley an even better place to live, work, and grow. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s achievements. Here’s to another successful year ahead!
Councillors Gayle Gander and Ola Kolade
