Mayoral candidate hits out at sorry state of borough

CROYDON Labour's newly selected mayoral candidate has hit out at the state of the borough, describing it as a “depressing shadow’ of what it used to be.

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

Waddon councillor Rowenna Davis made the comments following her selection to take on Conservative incumbent Jason Perry in next year's mayoral election.

Following the announcement last week, Davis said she was delighted to be standing as Labour's candidate but that “Croydon needs change.” She added: “I love my home, but we're being let down.

“Our borough is the ‘fly-tipping capital of England, our streets and neighbourhoods feel neglected, and too many people feel unsafe, while our town centre is a depressing shadow of the delight it used to be. For too long, Croydon has been run down by mis management and bad development. That changes with me - I'll put people first.”

Davis's selection followed a long selection process in which she battled fellow councillor Dr Manju ShahulHameed for the nomination.