Since 2008, when I bought a house here with my fiancee. We currently live in Addiscombe.
The best thing about Croydon is....
Its community, diversity and vibrancy. The growing cluster of people who have an infectious sense of positivity for Croydon's future and have the town's best interests at heart. Too many people to name individually but Fiona (Woodcock), the market inspector is a great asset. Lorraine (Thompson), the PCSO, is another.
The worst thing about Croydon is...
The lack of diversity in the nighttime economy and the negative impact it has on the town centre. The Home Office immigration directorate being based here – their presence has a negative impact on the town.
My perfect day in Croydon would consist of...
A lazy wander through the centre of town across an above ground River Wandle. I would spend hours browsing traditional bookshops, antique shops and clothes shops before stopping at a bustling street market with an abundance of street food.
One thing people don't know about Croydon is...
It's going to be the next Silicon Valley.
If I was in charge of Croydon for a day, I would...
Take over the top floor of all town centre car parks and convert them into themed urban community gardens to make up for our lack of green space in the centre of town.
I would sign a deal to push the bus stations at West and East Croydon underground and put parks and public squares above them. I would also reopen the Clocktower and David Lean Cinema.
If I could sum up Croydon in three words, they would be...
Community. Hope. Potential.
