When was the Forum set up and why?
The West Croydon Community Forum was set up in the Spring of 2012 to bring together different groups and individuals in the area and to create a strong voice which can stand up for the whole community and help make a difference in West Croydon. WCCF aims to be an umbrella organisation for the area - not replacing any of the groups or networks which already exist, but helping to create links between them.
What are the Forum's roles?
From the start, one of the Forum's key roles has been to liaise with Croydon Council regarding money coming in to London Road to help regenerate the area following the riots in August 2011. WCCF has been actively asking questions and exerting pressure over important issues such as how much budget has been allocated to London Road, what it should be spent on and how people should be consulted before decisions are made.
Two key areas of funding under discussion are support for businesses in the London Road area and public realm improvements for London Road. Topics being discussed by the businesses include how to reduce crime, eg. by extending the Safer Croydon Radio scheme to West Croydon shops and businesses. Public realm improvements include improvements to pavements, junctions, shopfronts and public spaces along London Road. However, nothing happens overnight where public funding and local government is concerned, as Forum members are discovering, with time-scales measured in months rather than weeks or days.
WCCF has also been supporting a number of successful activities led by the London Road Business Association, which is an active Forum member. Activities include a 'Sweeping for Change' campaign along London Road in June, preparations and festivities to celebrate the Olympic Torch coming down London Road in July and a Heal the Streets football tournament supported by Crystal Palace Foundation on 8th August, the anniversary of the riots.
WCCF is grateful for the support which has been provided by Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA).
How can I get involved?
New members are welcome.
To join the Forum, please complete and return the form, which can be downloaded from West Croydon Fourm or contact Bhupendra Solanki by email or call 020 8253 7060.