Opinion split over decision to remove benches from street

COUNCIL INSISTS MOVE WILL IMPROVE NORTH END WHILE OTHERS ARGUE IT WILL SHIFT PROBLEMS ELSEWHERE

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

RESIDENTS and traders have questioned whether the removal of benches in Croydon’s North End will have any impact on antisocial behaviour in the town centre, as they believe the issue will simply be pushed further along the street.

Croydon Council removed a number of benches outside M&S on the North End shopping street last week, following complaints that they attracted large groups and antisocial behaviour (ASB). The council highlighted shopkeepers’ concerns that shoppers were being put off from visiting that part of the town.

While the council claims the move makes the area safer, residents, shopkeepers and police argue it moves the issue elsewhere while not addressing deeper social problems.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, questioned the effectiveness of removing seating when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

"In essence, you're just inviting a different kind of behaviour somewhere else or within that space,” they said. “It is where that community of people exist at that time.”

Jeyda Atkinson lives in Crystal Palace but has been shopping in Croydon town centre for years. However, she told the LDRS how the town centre no longer feels as “welcoming” as it did 10 years ago.

“Croydon has changed a lot,” she said. “In my honest opinion, I don’t think it is safe at night.

“If you can’t stop looking over your shoulder once or twice in the day, I can’t imagine what nighttime would be like.”

She believes removing the benches is a short-sighted move.

“I feel a measure like that is quite drastic,” she said.

“Homelessness and addiction can’t be changed by removing seating.”