This newsletter brings an introduction to Cllr Matt Griffiths; information about a proposal to build a block of flats in Bishops Park Road; details of the London Fire Brigade Open Day; plus the usual round up of activities.
Cllr Matt Griffiths is one of our local councillors. Here are some of his thoughts on his first three months in office.
It doesn’t feel like three months have passed already since the council elections in May. As a first-time Councillor I’ve been getting used to the various aspects of the role. There is an inward-facing aspect, as part of your group within the Council and your responsibilities that come with that. I am the vice-chair of the Audit and Governance Committee with a responsibility to ensure that the processes and procedures within the council are robust. But it’s the day-to-day work of being a Councillor in the community that I have found the most rewarding. Being able to make a difference to people’s lives, even in a small way is to me, what being a representative is about. Many people in our community are struggling to make ends meet with the rising cost of energy and other everyday essentials. Whilst there are many in our community who do outstanding work helping others, it is important also to be able to help people get the support that is available from the council, including making sure that our most vulnerable residents are being paid their energy rebates in a timely manner. The cost-of-living crisis and overall economic situation may be with us for some time, but hopefully one we can overcome with thoughtful Government intervention. One thing that I know will be a constant feature of my time as a Councillor is planning issues! I’m lucky to have the support of my co-councillor Leila Ben-Hassel, and to be able to call on her experience. Together we are supporting residents in Norbury Village and elsewhere in the ward to try to ensure that developments are considerate and proportionate for the area. I look forward to continuing that strong working relationship that she had with my predecessor, Shafi Khan, over the next four years.
Surgery: Matt & Leila hold a surgery on the first Saturday of each month from11am-1pm at Norbury Methodist Church, 2a Pollards Hill North, SW16 4NL. You don’t need an appointment. The next surgery is scheduled for 3 September. In the meantime their contact details are:
Matt Griffiths: 07716 092 494; [email protected]
Leila Ben-Hassel: 07562 430 010; [email protected]
50 Bishops Park Road: A planning application has been submitted to the Council for the erection of a 9-storey block of flats on this site. Objections have been submitted on a variety of grounds including: overdevelopment; cutting down of more than a dozen mature trees; the block being out of character with the rest of the street; and overlooking other houses and the back of Fairview Medical Centre. Local councillors organised a zoom meeting to discuss the development with residents and will be objecting to the plan. NVRA are supporting residents and submitting a formal objection. The planning reference is 22/02557/FUL. You can look up the reference on the Council’s Planning website to see exactly what the developers want to erect.
Tackling Antisocial Behaviour: The Police would like your views on the new measures to tackle antisocial behaviour in the town centre and invite to send your views via this link:
Have your say on new measures to tackle antisocial behaviour in Croydon town centre – Newsroom
It is a matter of regret that there is no official alternative to completing the survey on line. If you would like a paper copy, please ring Ann on the number above and she will print off a copy for you. This issue will be raised at the next quarterly meeting with the police.
The Police also sent a reminder that you can report crime on line on their website https://www.met.police.uk/, as well as by phone, 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-urgent matters.
Open Day at the Fire Station Saturday 27 August, 12noon to 4pm: White Watch are inviting us all to meet them at the fire station (1321 London Road). There will be lots of activities for children; the opportunity to get fire safety advice and arrange for free smoke alarm fitting; and to see rescue demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Love Norbury Annual General Meeting, 21 September, 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)
The Methodist Church, 2a Pollards Hill North SW16 4NL
Everyone is invited to Love Norbury’s AGM. There will be the opportunity to meet Jason Perry, the new Executive Mayor of Croydon and to have your say about activities and events you’d like to see happening in Norbury. Tea and coffee will be served at the start of the meeting.
Correction: In David’s Obituary last month, it said that one of the bookcases he looked after to raise funds for Cancer Research was at Streatham Hill. It should, of course, been Streatham Common. Apologies for the mistake.
Membership: Many thanks to all of you who have paid this year’s membership and a warm welcome to new members. If you haven’t yet paid, it would be good if you could do so soon. A membership with all the necessary details is attached/enclosed.
